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ADOPTION OF IMPROVED PRACTICES OF
VEGETABLE CULTIVATION BY THE FARMERS
MOST. RAFIA PERVIN
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION
SYSTEM
SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY DHAKA-1207
JUNE,2008
ADOPTION OF IMPROVED PRACTICES OF
VEGETABLE CULTIVATION BY THE FARMERS
BY MOST. RAFIA PERV1N REGISTRATION NO: 00998
SEMESTER: JANUARY-JULE‟2008
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka,
in Partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
IN
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM
Approved by:
(Prof. Mohammad Hossain Bhuiyan)
Co-supervisor
(Prof. M. Zahidul Haque)
Supervisor
Professor. M. Zahidiul Haque
Chairman
of the Department
Supervisor
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Adoption of Improved Practices of
Vegetable Cultivation By the Farmers” submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in AGRICULTURAL
EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM embodies the result of a piece of
bonafide research work carried out by Most. Rafia Pervin, Registration No.00998
under my supervision and guidance. No part of the thesis has been submitted for
any other degree or diploma.
I further certify that such help or source of information, as has been availed of
during the course of this investigation has been duly acknowledged by him.
Dated: Place: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dedicated to my
beloved Parents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All praises and thanks due to the Almighty Allah, the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe who has enabled the researcher to complete this research work.
Guidance, help and co-operation have been received from several persons or
authority during the tenure of the research work; the researcher is immensely
grateful to all of them. Although it is not possible to mention everyone by name, it
will be an act of ungratefulness if some names are not mentioned here.
The researcher wishes to express immense gratitude and indebtedness to his
Supervisor Professor M. Zahidul Haque, Chairman, Department of Agricultural
Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka,
for his scholastic guidance, constructive suggestions, sincere interest and constant
encouragement throughout the whole period of research work.
The researcher would like to express deepest sense of gratitude and sincere
appreciation to his Co-Supervisor Professor Mohammad Hossain Bhuiyan,
Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka, for his valuable suggestions, kind co-operation and
encouragements for completion of the research work. His contribution and
inspiration into every phase of the research work are never forgettable by the
researcher.
The researcher expresses his cordial thanks and sincere appreciation to Prof. Md.
Shadat Ulla, Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-
e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Md. Rafiquel Islam, Professor,
Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University, Dhaka, and other respected teachers of the Department of
Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural
University, Dhaka, for their valuable instructions and encouragement throughout
the whole course of the research work.
The author desires to express his special gratitude to the farmers of the study area
for their cordial co-operation during the collection of data. Heartfelt thanks and
appreciation and expressed to Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer (SAAO) Md.
Attaur Rahman for his sincere help and co-operation in collecting data during the
interview with the respondents.
Appreciation is extended to all of the respondents of the study area who cooperated
with the researcher by providing necessary information during collection of data.
Special thanks to Md. Anwarul Islam for his help.
Thanks are due to Librarians and other Officers of the library of SAU, Dhaka, for
their help while reviewing or searching related literature.
Last, but not least, the author also expresses his heartfelt gratitude and
indebtedness to his beloved parents, brothers, uncles, friends and relatives for their
encouragement and blessings which enabled him to complete this thesis with
patience and perseverance.
Researcher
CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I-1I
LIST OF CONTENTS III- VII
LIST OF TABLES V-VI
LIST OF FIGURES VII
ABSTRACT VIII
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS OF SYMBOLS AND TERMS IX
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 General background 01-05
1.2 Statement of the problem 05
1.3 Specific objectives 06
1.4 Significance of the study 07
1.5 Statement of Hypothesis 08
1.6 Assumption of the study 08
1.7 Limitation of the study 09
1.8 Definition of Terms 09-11
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Review of Relevant Literature Regarding Farmers‟ Adoption of Improved Practices in
Vegetables Cultivation 12-19
2.2 Research Findings Related to Relationship of Farmer Adoption of Improved Practices with
their Selected Characteristics. 19-30
2.3 The Conceptual Framework of the study 31
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
3 .1 Locale of the study 32
3.2 Population and sampling design 34
iii
3 .3 Development of the instrument 35
3.4 Pilot testing and final version 35
3.5 Variables of the study 35-36
3.6 Measurement of the variables 36-42
3.7 Statement of hypothesis 43
3.8 Collection of data 44
3 .9 Processing of data 44-45
3.10 Statistical analysis 45
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Selected Characteristics of the Farmers 46-56
4.2 Adoption of Improved Practices in Vegetable Cultivation 56-68
4.3 Relationship between the Characteristics of the Farmers and their Adoption of 68-78
Improved Practices of Vegetable Cultivation
4.4 Comparative Problem Confrontation of the Farmers in Adoption of Improved 78-79
Practices of Vegetable Cultivation
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5 .1 Summary of the Findings 80-87
5.2 Conclusions 87-89
5.3 Recommendations 89-92
CHAPTER VI
REFERENCES 93-108
APPENDIX 109-
119
LIST OF TABLES
5
PAGE
TITLE NO
1.1 Vegetables production in Bangladesh, 1992-93 to 2000-2001 2
1.2 Per capita consumption of vegetables in some Asian countries 3
1.3 Export of fresh vegetables and fruits 4
3.1 Distribution of population, sample and the reserve list of the 34
respondents
4.1 Farmer‟s Personal Characteristics Profile 47
4.2 Distribution of the farmers according to age 48
4.3 Distribution of the farmers according to education 49
4.4 Distribution of farmers according to farm size 50
4.5 Distribution of farmers according to annual family income 51
4.5 Distribution of farmers according to vegetable cultivation 52
knowledge
4.6 Distribution of farmers according to cosmopoliteness 53
4.7 Distribution of farmers according to extension media contact 54
4.8 Distribution of farmers according to organizational participation 55
4.9 Distribution of farmers according to innovativeness 56
4.10 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Potato) 58
4.11 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Potato) 59
4.12 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Potato) 60
4.13 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Tomato) 61
4.14 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Tomato) 62
4.15 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Tomato) 63
4.16 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Brinjal) 64
4.17 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Brinjal) 65
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Brinjal) 66
Distribution of farmers according to adoption of IPM method 67
Distribution of farmers according to adoption of insecticide and 68
fungicide
Correlation coefficient between the selected characteristics of the 69
farmers with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation
Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) for selected 10 problems with 79
rank order
LIST OF FIGURES
119
SL. FIGURE Page
2.1 The conceptual framework of the study 31
3.1 A map of Kaunia Upazilla showing the study area 33
4.1 Bar graph showing categories of participation 57
LIST OF APPENDICES
109-118 Interview schedule
Correlation Matrix
Appendix - A
Appendix - B
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of the research work was to determine the extent of adoption of
improved practices in vegetable cultivation by the farmers of Kaunia upazila.
Attempt was also made to explore the relationship between selected characteristics
namely age, education, farm size, annual family income, vegetable cultivation
knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media contact, organizational participation
and innovativeness of the farmers and their composite adoption of improved
practices in vegetable cultivation. Data were collected from randomly selected 114
farmers of Haragach union under Kaunia upazilla of Rangpur district by using an
interview schedule. Data were collected during 10th
January to 18th
March, 2008
Appropriate scales were developed in order to measure the variables. Correlation
test was used to ascertain the relationships between the concerned dependent and
independent variables of the research work. Majority (58.8 percent) of the farmers
had low adoption while 12 percent had medium adoption, 0.9 percent had high
adoption and 18.4 percent had no adoption of improved practices in vegetable
cultivation. Among the selected characteristics education, vegetable cultivation
knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media contact, and innovativeness showed
significant and positive relationships with their adoption of improved practices in
vegetable cultivation. On the other hand only age is the negative and not signif icant
and also farm size, annual family income and organizational participation did not
show any significant relationship with their composite adoption of improved
practices in vegetable cultivation.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS OF SYMBOLS AND TERMS
And others (at elli) et al.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute BRRI
Degrees of Freedom df
Coefficient of Variation CV
Kilometer Km
Etcetera etc.
Example eg-
Recommended fertilizer dose RFD
Hectare ha
Integrated Pest Management 1PM
Kilogram kg
Taka Tk.
Namely viz.
Percent %
Ton t
Metric ton Mt
Adoption Quotient AQ
Government Organization GO
Non-Government Organization NGO
Department of Agricultural Extension DAE
Focus Group Discussion FGD
Sub Assistant Agricultural Officer SAAO
Bangladesh Economic Review BER
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background
Bangladesh is a developing country crowded with the population of about 150
million in an area of 147,570 skm. Out of this about 80% are farmers. About one -
third of GDP comes from agriculture and two-third of labor force (as 60.5%) is
engaged in agriculture (BBS 2006).
Agriculture is the dominant sector of the country‟s economy. In term of GDP it
contributes about 20.87%. Exports of agricultural products accounted for about
6.83% of total exports in 2006-2007 (BER 2008). Crop represents a share of about
20.87% in the total GDP and about 73% in agricultural GDP. Production of fruits
and vegetables has been projected to be 3.54 million metric ton and 1.82 million
metric ton respectively by the end of the fifth five year plan period (Anonymous,
1998).
In Bangladesh, a good amount of vegetables are grown throughout the year. In view
of increase in income, population and nutritional considerations, there is a great
need for vegetable cultivation. In many countries with adverse weather condition
vegetables are grown under artificially controlled environment which is costly. In
contrast weather, climate and soil of Bangladesh are very much suitable for growing
vegetables round the year.
The quantity of vegetables intake is very negligible here. Nutrition survey of
Bangladesh (INFS, 1980) reported that average intake meets only 80% of calories,
58% of vitamin A, 50% of riboflavin and 51% of vitamin C requirements. The
production of vegetables in Bangladesh is so low that the per capita/day availability
is hardly 32 gm whereas the requirement is estimated to 250 gm (FAO, 1994). This
gap is probably one of the main reasons for widespread malnutrition in the country.
At present malnutrition is a serious problem for the country. About 94% of the
children are malnourished and nearly 30,000
2
Year
2523
2603
2670
2715
2759
2819
4264
4467
4647
children become blind per year from vitamin A deficiency alone. Intake of other
essential micro nutrients like iodine, irons etc. are also low resulting more adverse
effects on the malnourished children.
It is believed that vegetables production can be increased in Bangladesh particularly
in winter season. The winter season is more suitable for vegetables production due
to the availability of suitable land and favorable climate. During the winter season,
large area of land remains fallow owing to the lack of rainfall. As the winter
vegetables are relatively shorter duration crops and demand lesser amount if water,
farmer can take advantage of a quick harvest and thereby can increase their farm
income and improve nutritional status. The total production of vegetables during the
period from 1992-93 to 2000-2001 is shown in table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Vegetables production in Bangladesh, 1992-93 to 2000-2001
Production (Thousand mt.)
1992-93
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1996-97
1997-98
1998-99
1999-2000
2000-2001
Source: Agriculture Statistics, BBS, 2001
Per capita consumption of vegetable in Bangladesh is perhaps the lowest amongst
the countries of South Asia and South-East Asia. Only 3 percent of total land
covering 429,000 hectares belonged to vegetable cultivation.
Table 1.2 Per capita consumption of vegetables in some Asian countries
It can be seen from Table 1.2 that the daily per capita consumption of vegetables in
this country is only 50 gm against the required amount of 200 gm. This gap causes
malnutrition among the people of Bangladesh Since almost vegetables are rich in
vitamins and minerals.
For several decades, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has been
trying to increase crop production simultaneously in the field as well as in
homestead garden especially through cultivation of vegetables. Production of
vegetables and the knowledge of nutrition did not get adequate importance in the
past. In order to popularize vegetable cultivation, Bangladesh Agricultural
Research Institute (BARI) initiated a project named Intensive Winter Vegetable
Production Project.
Adoption of improved practices of an individual on certain aspects serves as a
driving force for constant efforts on certain perceived action. Unless the farmers of
Bangladesh have sufficient knowledge about modern agricultural it would be
practically impossible to develop its full potential in Bangladesh. Considering the
above fact the investigator became interested to undertake a study to determine the
adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation.
Country Per capita consumption of vegetable (gm/day)
Bangladesh 50
China 292
Japan 432
Thailand 257
India 80
Indonesia 117
Source: Ahmed, 2001
An exhaustive review of literature indicated that there is no work done on
adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation known to the present
investigator, there is no report available on the adoption of improved practices
in vegetables cultivation.
Bangladesh primary exports fresh vegetables and fruits as horticultural products
to Middle East and European countries. If the last 10 years of export
performance of vegetables and fruits in analyzed, it is observed that there had
been a tremendous growth in horticultural export during the first 5 -years period
from 1992-1993 to 1997-1998 and more or less in the same way, a share decline
of horticultural export over the last 5-years period from 1998-1999 to 2002-
2003. Year-wise export of vegetable and fruits over the last 10 years is
presented below:
The reason for declining trend in horticultural export since 1998-1999 may be
ascribed to the long duration devastating flood of October, 1998 and
consequential loss of export market thereafter. It now appears that export of
vegetable and fruits are setting down around US$ 14 million, a level which is
very low compared to the potential of this subsector.
Table 1.3 Export of fresh vegetables and fruits Year Value(„000)US
$ Growth (%) Quantity (MT) Growth (%)
1992-1993 9370 124.65 9391 150.10
1993-1994 9440 0.75 8422 (-)10.32
1994-1995 10650 12.82 9635 14.40
1995-1996 17920 68.26 15209 57.85
1996-1997 25480 42.19 20834 36.98
1997-1998 32480 27.47 23604 13.30
1998-1999 17700 (-)45.50 13119 (-)44.42
1999-2000 14000 (-)20.90 10270 (-)21.78
2000-2001 12787 (-)8.66 9509 (-)7.41
2001-2002 15320 (+) 19.81 12761 (+)34.20
2002-2003 13240 (-) 13.58 9792 (-)23.27
Source: Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh, 2003.
5
Horticulture Export Development Foundation has been working to promote
horticultural export from Bangladesh, particularly high-value crop to high-price
mainstream markets. Over the last few years, the Foundation has make
commendable success in developing various types of quality crops, both exotic and
non-exotic. To export to mainstream markets of Europe, middle east and south
East Asia. The long bean, baby pineapple, teasle gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd
and broccoli are marketed to the UK, the Netherlands, France Belgium, Germany,
Dubai, Bahrain and Singapore.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In view of the foregoing discussion, an attempt was made to undertake a piece of
research entitled “Adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation in a
selected area of Rangpur District, Kaunia Upazila under three villages like
Sonaton, Khanshama and Thakurdan. The economic problems of agriculture in
Bangladesh are varied and manifold and low productivity of agriculture leads t o
low income for the agricultural producers.
Due to low income, necessary investment can‟t be made for improving
productivity and procurement of improved quality seed. The availability of quality
certified seed could increase yields of vegetable drasticall y.
It is necessary to have a clear understanding of the present status of the adoption
of improved practices in vegetable cultivation. The main purpose of the study was
to have an understanding the adoption of improved practices in vegetable
cultivation and problems confrontation by the farmers in vegetable cultivation. In
order to explore the main issue, this study attempts to find out the answers of the
following research questions:
1. What is the extent of adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultiva tion?
2. What are the characteristics of the farmers who cultivate vegetables?
3. What relationships exist between the characteristics of the farmers and
their extent of improved practices in vegetable cultivation?
4. What are the problems faced by the farmers in vegetable cultivation?
1.3 Specific Objectives of the Study
In view of the research works to be done successfully the following specific
objectives have been formulated for giving proper directions to the study:
1 To determine and describe the extent of adoption of improved practices in
vegetables cultivation.
2. To determine and describe the selected characteristics of the farmers as
mentioned below:
a) Personal characteristics:
i) Age
ii) Education
iii) Vegetable cultivation knowledge
b) Economic characteristics:
i) Farm size
ii) Annual family income
c) Social characteristics:
i) Cosmopoliteness
ii) Extension media contact
iii) Organizational participation
d) Psychological characteristics:
i) Innovativeness
3. To explore the relationship between the extent of adoption of improved
practices in vegetables cultivation and each of the selected characteristics of the
farmer.
4. To determine the problems of the vegetable growers in connection with the
cultivation of vegetables.
7
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.4.1 Justification of the Study
To meet the nutritional and calorie intake of the growing population and for
increasing employment opportunities and income of the farmers, the Government
of Bangladesh has given much emphasis on diversified crop production,
particularly on the production of vegetable all the year round Before giving any
policy directions towards increasing production of various vegetables, relevant
and adequate information on different aspects of production at the farm level are
required. So far, little systematic investigations on vegetable have been
undertaken either by private or government organization in Bangladesh .
The present study is an attempt to know the adoption of improved practices in
vegetable cultivation. This study will be helpful to the researchers for further
studies of similar nature and to the extension personnel who are directly involved
in different agricultural development programmers and to the planners for making
effective plans. The study will also aid extension workers to learn the production
problems of the vegetables and therefore, they will be able to give suggestions to
the farmers related to various aspects of vegetable cultivation.
1.4.2 Scope of the Study
The present study makes attempt to have an understanding of improved practices
of vegetable cultivation by the farmers and explore its relationship with their
selected characteristics. The findings of this study will be particularly applicable
to Sonaton, Thakurdas and khanshama Union under Kaunia Upazila Rangpur
District. The findings may also have applicability to other areas of the country
having similarities with the study area. However the findings are expected to be
useful to the extension workers and planners for preparation of programmers for
rapid diffusion of improved practices in vegetable cultivation among the farmers.
The findings would also be helpful to field workers of different nation building
department, organizations to improve their technique and strategy of action. It
would also be useful for effective work with the rural people to generate rural
employment and to improve environmental condition and the rural economy.
1.5 Statement of Hypothesis
In order to guide relevant data correlation, analysis and interpretation of data, a
set of hypothesis was formulated for empirical testing. As defined by Goode and
Halt (1952) “a hypothesis is a proposition, which can be put to determine its
validity”. It may seem contrary to or in accord with common sense. It may prove
to be correct or incorrect. In any event, however, it leads to an empirical test.
In studying relationship between variables, the following null hypotheses were
developed to explore the nature of relationship between the dependant and
independent variables. However, for statistical test it becomes necessary to
formulate null hypothesis. A null hypothesis states that there is no relationship
between the concerned variable.
The following null hypothesis would be formulated to explore the relationships of
the selected characteristics of the farmers with their improved practices in
vegetable cultivation. “There are no relationships between the selected
characteristics of the farmers and adoption of improved practices in vegetable
cultivation”.
1.6 Assumptions of the Study
An assumption is the supposition that an apparent factor or principle is true in the
light of the available evidence (Goode, 1945). In this study the researcher had the
following assumptions in mind:
i The respondents included in the sample for this study were competent enough to
furnish proper responses to the queries included in the interview schedule,
ii. The researcher who acted as interviewer was adjusted to social and
environmental conditions of the study area. Hence, the data collected by him and
the respondents were free from bias.
iii The responses furnished by the respondents were respondents were reliable.
They expressed the truth about their conversations and opinions.
iv. Views and opinions furnished by vegetable growers included in the sample
were representation views and opinions of the whole population of the study area.
v. The findings of the study will similar, socio-economic, cultural and agro-
ecological conditions of the study area.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The present study was under taken to have an understanding of the farmer‟s
adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation and to explore the
relationships with their selected characteristics. Considering the time, money and
other necessary resources available to the researcher and also to make the study
meaningful and manageable the researcher had to impose certain limitations as
follows:
i. The study was confined mainly improved practices in vegetable cultivation,
ii. The study was confined to three villages under Kaunia upazila of Rangpur
district,
iii. Out of many characteristics of vegetable growers only nine characteristics
were selected for investigation in this study.
iv. For some cases, the researcher confrontation unexpected interference from the
over interested side talkers while collecting data from the target respondents.
However, the researcher tried to overcome the problems as far possible with
sufficient tact and skill.
v. The researcher relied on the data furnished by the farmers from their memory
during interview.
vi. Reluctance of farmers to provide information was overcome by establishing
proper rapport.
1.8 Definition of Terms:
In order to avoid confusion and misunderstanding, certain terms were used
throughout the study that has been stated below:
Adoption
Adoption is the implementation of a decision to continue the use of an innovation.
According to Rogers (1995), “Adoption is a decision to make full use of an
innovation as the best course of action available”. When an individual takes up a
new idea as the best course of action and practice it, the phenomenon is known as
adoption (Ray, 1991).
10
Improved vegetable cultivation practices
Improved vegetable cultivation practices in respect of any crop refer to those
practices, which are advocated by some component authority.
Improved variety
An improved variety is one which possesses the potential of better performance in
respect of yields, quality, insect and disease resistance.
Adoption of improved practices
Ray (1991) defined extent of adoption as “The degree to which the farmer has
actually adopted a practice.” Adoptions of improved practices are those which are
helpful for improving the yield and quality of the crop.
Age
Age of an individual farmer was defined as the period of time in years from his
birth to the time of interview.
Education
Education referred to the development of desirable knowledge, skill, attitudes, etc.
of an individual through the experiences of reading, writing, observation and
related matters.
Vegetable Cultivation Knowledge
It refers to extension of understanding of an individual about different facts,
information, causes and effects related to crop, vegetables, livestock, fishery and
forestry.
Farm size
Farm size refers to the area of land possess by a farmer through different land
tenure system such as own land under own cultivation, land given other as borga,
land taken from other as borga, land taken as lease etc. Hectare was used as unit of
farm size.
11
Annual Family Income
Annual income referred to the total annual earnings of all the family members of a
respondent from agriculture, livestock and fisheries and other accessible sources
(business, service, daily working etc.).
Cosmopolitenesss
Cosmopoliteness is the degree to which an individual respondent how frequent
visits, travels to the places external to his own social system for the purpose of
achieving new experience, new knowledge related to his farm business.
Extension media contact
The term extension media contact refers to an individual‟s exposure to or contact
with different communication media, source and personalities being used for
dissemination of new technologies among the farmers.
Organizational participation
Organizational participation is referred to the degree to which a farmer takes part
in different social organizations either as an ordinary member, executive
committee member or executive officer within a specified year.
Innovativeness
Innovativeness is an idea, practice or object that is perceived as new by an
individual or other unit of adoption (Ray, 1991). In this study selected adoptions
of improved practices are treated as innovativeness.
12
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The purpose of this Chapter is to review of literature having relevance to the
present study. The researcher made an elaborate search of available literature for
the above purpose But there is hardly any study dealing with the relationship of the
characteristics of vegetables growers and their adoption of improve practices by
the farmers and the relationship with their selected characteristics. The research
attempted to search the literatures on a number of studies have been conducted on
the adoption of improve practices by the farmers. Therefore, the finding of such
studies related to the extent of adoption and paste study exploring relationships of
the characteristics of the farmers with their adoption of improved practices have
been cited in this chapter.
This Chapter is divided into three major sections. The first section deals with
review of relevant literature regarding farmers‟ adoption of improved practices in
vegetables cultivation. The second section deals with the research finding relating
to the relationship of the farmers adoption of improved practices with their
selected characteristics. The third section deals with the conceptual frame work of
the study.
2.1 Review of Relevant Literature Regarding Farmers’ Adoption of Improved
Practices of Vegetables Cultivation
Hossain (1971) carried out a research study on the adoption of four improved
practices in Gouripur of Mymensingh district. The practices were (i) plant
protection measure, (ii) recommended variety of paddy, (iii) line transplanting and
(iv) recommended dose of fertilizers. It revealed that among the responded farmers
57.40 percent adopted plant protection measure, 35.51 percent adopted
recommended variety of paddy, 25.36 percent adopted line transplanting and 11.52
percent adopted recommended dose of fertilizers. Rahman (1974) studied the
adoption of IR-20 variety of paddy in Bhabakhali union of Mymensingh districts.
He found that 29 percent of the growers had medium apoption of IR-20 while 3 1
percent of the growers did not adopt the innovation.
Sobhan (1975) studied on the extent of adoption of ten winter vegetables namely
tomato, radish, lettuce and potato in Boilar union of Mymensingh district. Over all
winter vegetable adoption scores of the farmers could range from 0 to 140. Over
all adoption scores indicated that 27 percent of the farmers did not adopted winter
vegetables cultivation while 28 percent had low adoption and 55 percent high
adoption.
Ahmed (1977) studied the extent of adoption of three specific practices of Jute
cultivation in Noapara union of Faridpur district. He observed that among the
respondent farmers 98 percent adopted the recommended varieties of Jute, 72
percent adopted plant protection measures and 49 percent adopted recommended
dose of fertilizers.
Hossain (1983) studied the extent of adoption of HYV rice as transplanted aman
and other related aspect in Bhabalhali union of Mymensingh district. He observed
that among the respondent farmers, 54 percent had high adoption of HYV rice and
46 percent had medium adoption of HYV rice as transplanted aman.
Rahman (1986) conducted a research study on the extent of adoption of four
improved practices which were, use of fertilizers, line sowing, irrigation and use
of insecticides in transplanted aman rice cultivation in two village of Mymens ingh
district. It revealed that22 percent of the farmers adopted all the four practices
compared to 49 percent adopted three practices, 22 percent adopted two practices,
5 percent adopted one practices and only 2 percent adopted of the four practices.
Karim and Mahboob (1986) conducted a study on the adoption of high yielding
variety of wheat in Kushtia Union of Mymensingh district. They observed that
74.0 percent of the farmers adopted HYV wheat cultivation to varying extent while
the remaining 26.0 percent were non adopter.
14
Gogoi and Gogoi (1989) conducted a study on adoption of recommended plant
protection practices in rice in Zorhat district of Assam state in India. The study
revealed that among the respondents, 50 percent had low level of adoption, 35.36
percent medium level of adoption and 13 .64 percent had high level of adoption of
recommended plant protection practices.
Bembridge and Wiliams (1990) studied the personal, sociological, socio -
psychological and communication characteristics that influence the adoption of
maize practice in farmer support programme in South Africa. The study revealed
that less than 50% of the farmers who adopted practices were implementing them
according to recommendation and many did not have a clear concept that t he
practices were interrelated.
Juliana el a/. (1991) undertook a study on adoption of integrated pest management
practices in five villages of vasusdevanallar block in Tirunelvi district,
Tamilnddu, India. They found that about 50 percent of marginal farmers, 47.50
percent of small farmers and 52.50 percent of big farmers had medium adoption
and 42.50 percent of big farmers, 22.50 percent of small farmers and 5 percent of
the marginal farmers had high level of adoption. In both adoptions level of big
farmers‟ participation was higher in comparison to other categories of farmers.
Hossain (1991) studied the extent of adoption behaviour of contact wheat growers
in Sadar upazila of Jamalpur district. He found the more than half (52 percent) of
the growers had medium adoption of improved farm practices compared to 34
percent having low adoption and only 14 percent high adoption.
Singh et a/.{ 1992) undertook a research study in India on factors affecting the
adoption of improved sugarcane production technology. They observed that
majority of sugarcane growers had the medium level of adoption and were partial
adopters of scientific recommendations of sugarcane production technology.
Kashem et at. (1992) conducted a study on adoption behaviour of sugarcane
growers of Zilbangla Sugar Mill, Dewanganj. Jamalpur, Bangladesh. They found
among the sugarcane growers, 89 percent had high level of adoption of
recommended practices of sugarcane.
Nikhade el at. (1993) observed in their study on adoption of improved practices of
soybean cultivation that cent percent adopted improved varieties. More than 82
percent had complete adoption of package practices like timely sowing, spacing
and inter cultural operations. Partial adoption was observed in majority of the
soybean growers (74.6 percent) with regard to recommended seed rate.
Nikhade et ciL (1995) found that the adoption gap about the use of recommended
technology of cotton among cotton growers was found to be about 30 percent
which was quite high.
Siddaramaiha el a/. (1995) studied adoption of improved seri-cultural practices
among big and small farmers. They indicate that there were cent percent adoptions
in following the recommended system of planting by both big and small farmers.
Other practices adoptions by a large percentage of farmers were: optimum time of
planting (95%), adoption of recommended irrigation schedule (93.75%),
recommended spacing (91.25%) and the use of improve variety of mulberry crop
(87.50%). Nearly half of the respondents used the recommended quant ity of
farmyard manure and plant protection chemicals in mulberry cultivation.
Hasan (1996) found in his study that the highest proportion (44 percent) of the
respondents perceived the existence of medium adoption, compared to 26 percent
low adoption and 3 percent high adoption in respect of selected agricultural
technologies.
16
Islam (1996) carried out a study on farmers‟ use of indigenous technical
knowledge (UK) in the context of sustainable agricultural development. He found
the extent use of ITK by individual farmers that, the highest proportion (42.73
percent) of the respondents belonged to the lower user category as compared to
41.82 percent in the moderate user category and 15.45 percent in the higher user
category, respectively.
Muttaleb el al. (1998) found that over all adoption of plant protection practices
was medium. Among the plant protection practices high adoption were observed
in fungicides, insecticide and soil treatment and low adoption were found that
treatment and low adoption were found in suberization of cut tuber hand picking
of cutworn and rouging of diseased plant.
Mostafa (1999) studied the adoption of recommended mango cultivation practices
by the mango growers of Nawabganj Sadar upazila. He found that about half (49
percent) of the mango growers had “low adoption” 31 percent “very low” adoption
and 20 percent had “medium” adoption of fertilizers.
Rahman (1999) studied the adoption of balanced fertilizer by the boro rice farmers
of Ishwarganj upazila. He found that the extent of use of balanced nitrogenous
fertilizer, 48.57 percent of the farmers had optimum adoption and above optimum
respectively. In respect of extent of use of balanced phosphoric fertilizer, 79.05
percent of the farmers had below optimum adoption compared to 20 .95 percent
having optimum adoption. Regarding the extent of use of balanced potassic
fertilizer, 80.95 percent of the farmers had below optimum adoption compare to
18.10 and 0.95 percent having optimum and above optimum adoption,
respectively.
Podder and Kashem (2000) studied on, Use of Extension Contact Media by the
farmers in the Adoption of Mehersagar banana. They concluded that about half
(47%) of the growers had medium adoption compare to 14 percent low adoption
and 39 percent high adoption of Mehersagar banana.
Squire (2000) studied on factors influencing traditional farmers to adopt improved
food crop production technologies in BO district of Southern Sierra Leone. He
found that agricultural technology communication media (other farmers (54%)):
characteristics of the arable crops (good to excellent eating quality of the
improved crop varieties (53%)); artificial fertilizers (55%); mechanical technology
(65%); draught animal technology (59%); pest and disease control technologies
(increase in crop yield (61%); and row planting technologies (easy to weed(53%)).
Haider et al. (2001) studied the adoption level of improved Package of practices
for T. aman rice cultivation in Gouripur upazila of Mymensingh district. He found
that the adoption level of farmers categories were 5 percent non adoption, 62
percent low adoption, 24.5 percent medium adopter and 8.5 percent high adopter.
Vast majority (95 percent) of the farmers adopted MV programme of T. aman rice.
Haider el al. (2001) observed that one-third (37 percent) of the farmers fell in low
adopter category compared to 32.5 percent falling in optimum adopter 23.5 percent
above optimum adopter and only 7 percent had non-adopter on Nitrogenous
fertilizer. In respect of extent of phosphoric fertilizer two thi rds (68 percent) of the
farmers had non adopter category compared to 23 percent having above optimum
adopter, 5 percent optimum adopter and only 4 percent had below optimum
adopter of phosphoric (P) fertilizer. In respect of extent of potassic fertilizer t hree
quarters categories compared to 10 percent falling bellow optimum adopter, 8
percent optimum adopter and only 3 percent above optimum adopter of potassic
(K) fertilizer.
Aurangojeb (2002) studied on the extent of adoption of integrated farming
technology by the rural women in RDR.S. He observed that the highest percent of
rural women (64%) used high level, (28%) of the women used medium level and
only 8% used low level integrated homestead farming technologies.
18
Sardar (2002) studied on “adoption of IPM practices by the farmers under
PETRRA Project of RDRS He observed that majority (45.9 percent) of the farmers
had medium, 38.3 percent had low and 15.8 percent had high adoption of IPM
practices.
Swinkels et al. (2002) studied assessing the adoption potential of hedgerow
intercropping for improving soil fertility, in western Kenya. They conduct that the
average cost of hedgerow intercropping was 10.5% (SD = 5.5) when based on
returns to land and 17.5% (SD = 6.5) based on returns to labour. Fifth planted
additional hedges and only 14% did so to improve soil fertility. It thus appears
that the potential for its adoption as a soil fertility practices. Hedgerow
intercropping appears to have greater adopter potential if its aim is to provide feed
for an intensive dairy operation or for curbing soil erosion.
Alexznder and Goodhue (2002) conducted the study on pricing of innovations.
They evaluate the producer‟s returns to planting patented seed innovation, using a
calibrated optimization model of a south-central maize producer‟s adoption
decision in Iowa, USA. Their results suggest that patented seed innovations do not
increase the market power of biotechnology firm in the relevant market for
production system.
Gebre (2002) conducted a study on Maize technology adoption in Ethiopia. This
study presents the results of the Sasakawa-Global 2000 Agriculture program in
Ethiopia and its influence on agricultural research and maize production in the
region The Sasakawa- Global 2000 is an international non-government
organization initiated in 1986 because of the 1984-85 famine in Ethiopia, with the
aim of empowering Africa to produce its own food through the adoption of
improved agricultural technologies.
Zegeye et al. (2002) studied the determinants of adoption of improved maize
technologies in major maize growing region of Ethiopia. He found that the rate of
adoption of improved maize varieties and chemical fertilizer, factors affecting the
adoption of improved maize varieties and the determinant factors affecting
adoption of chemical fertilizers are also highlighted.
19
Rahman (2003) revealed that about half (47 percent) of the growers had medium
adoption 44 percent had low and I percent had high adoption of year round
homestead fruit cultivation practices.
Hasan (2003) found that majority (60 percent) at the farmers had medium adoption
while 33 percent had low adoption and 7 percent had high adoption of
recommended potato cultivation practices.
Hassain (2003) found that majority (67 percent) of the Boro rice farmers had
medium adoption, 17 percent had low adoption and 16 percent high adoption of
modern Boro rice cultivation practices.
Salam (2003) found that an overwhelming majority (94 percent) of the respondents
were found having high constraints in adopting environmentally friendly farming
practices while 6 percent had medium constraints. No farmer was found having
low constraint.
Rahman (2003) found that ninety seven percent of the pineapple growers adopted
2-4 intercrops viz, Zinger, turmeric, sweet ground and aroid in pineapple
cultivation.
Haque (2003) found that the majority (47 percent) of the growers had medium
adoption of modern maize cultivation technologies while 28 percent had high
adoption and 25 percent low adoption
2.2 Research Findings Related to Relationship of Farmer Adoption of
Improved Practices with their Selected Characteristics.
2.2.1 Age and adoption of improved practices
Hossain (1991) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption behaviour of improved form practi ces in Sadar
upazila of Jamalpur district. He reported that age of the wheat farmers
significantly influenced the adoption of improved farm practices.
20
Pathak and Sasmal (1992) observed that there was positive and significant
relationship between the age of the marginal farmers and their adoption of Jute
technology. Similar findings were observed by of Okoro and Obibuaka (1992) and
Kashem and Hossain (1992).
Islam (1993) observed that there was no relationship between the age of potato
growers and their adoption of improved practices in potato cultivation. Similar
results were observed by Karim and Mahaboob (1986), Rahman (1986), Singh
(1982), Kher (1992), Pathak et al. (1992), Kashem (1991) observed that there was
positive and significant relationship between the age of the marginal farmers and
their adoption of jute technologies. Similar results were found by Ali et al. (1986),
Singh and Rajendra (1990), Okoro et al. (1992), Narwal et al (1991) and Hossain et
al. (1991).
Islam (1996) conducted a study on farmers use of indigenous technical knowledge
(1TK) in the context of sustainable agricultural development. He found that age of
the farmers had significant negative relationship with their extent of use oflTK.
Sharker (1997) observed that there was no significant relationship between age of
the farmers and their adoption of improved potato cultivation practices.
Hussen (2001) found that the age was negative significant relationship of the
farmers and their adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation practices.
Rahman (2001) conducted a study on knowledge, attitude and adoption of the
farmers regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice in Sadar upazila of Mymensingh
district. He found that academic qualifications of the farmers had a significant and
positive relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice.
Aurangozeb (2002) observed that there was significant negative relationship
between age and adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.
21
Sardar (2002) found that the age of the farmers had positive significant negative
correlation with their adoption of IPM practices.
Hossain (2003) revealed that farm size of the farmers had a significant and
positive relationship with their adoption of modern Boro rice cultivation practices.
Haque (2005) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption of modern rice varieties in Sadar upazila of
Mymensing district. He reported that age of the rice growers were not related with
the adoption of rice varieties.
Rahman (2005) found that there was no relationship between ages of the farmers
with their adoption of modern rice varieties.
2.2.2 Education and adoption of improved practices
Hossain (1981) in his study found no significant relationship between education of
the farmer and their adoption of improved farm practices.
Hossain (1983) in his study found a significant and positive relationship of
education of the farmers with their adoption of the selected four improved farm
practices.
Rahman (1986) in his study found that education had significant and positive
relationship with the adoption of improved practices.
Mustafi et al. (1987) reported that education had no significant effects on the
adoption of HYV varieties of rice in Bangladesh.
Kaur (1988) found that education influenced the opinion of the women about
adoption of vegetable gardening animal husbandry etc.
Bavalatti and Soundaarswamy (1990) observed no significant relationship between
education of the farmers and their adoption of dry land farming practices.
22
Khan (1993) studied on the adoption of insecticides and related issues in the
village of Pachon union, Madaripur district. He observed that education had a
significant positive relationship with the adoption of insecticides.
Hasan (1996) concluded a study on adoption of some selected agricultural
technologies among the farmers as perceived by the frontline GO and NGO
workers. He observed that education have no significant relationship with the
perceived adoption of selected agricultural technologies. Similar results were
found by Kher (1992) and Islam (1996).
Sarker (1997) conducted a study to determine the relationship between selected
characteristics of potato cultivation practices in five villages of Comilla
District. He found that education of potato growers had significant relationship
with their adoption of improved potato cultivation practices. Similar results was
found by Kashem (1991)
Chowdhury (1997) found a positive significant relationship between the
education of the farmers and their adoption of selected BINA technologies.
Similar results were found by Halim (1985), Islam (1993), Haque (1993), Khan
(1993), hossain et a/. (1997), Pal (1995) and Ali eta/. (1986).
Alam (1997) observed that the level of education of the farmer had a positive
and significant relationship with the use of improved farm practices. Sarker
(1997) and chowdhury (1997) also found similar findings about the relationship
between education and adoption of improved technologies
Hussen (2001) indicate that the education had positive significant relationship
with their adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation practices.
Rahman (2001) conducted a study on knowledge, attitude and adoption of the
farmers regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice in sadar upazilla of Mymensing
district. He found that academic qualification of the farmers had a significant
and positive relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6291 hybrid rice.
Aurangozeb (2002) studied on the extent of adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He observed that there was
positive relationship between education and adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies.
Sardar (2002) found that the education of the farmers had significant positive
relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.
Hossain (2003) concluded that education of the farmers had a significant and
positive relationship with their adoption and modern Boro rice cultivation
practices.
Haque (2005) revealed that education of the farmers had a significant and positive
relationship with their adoption of modern rice varieties.
2.2.3 Farm size and adoption of improved practices
Hossain (1983) found that size of the farm of transplanted Aman farmers in
Bhabakhali union of Mymensingh district had a negative relationship with their
adoption of HYV T- Aman paddy.
Rahman (1986) observed that farm size had significant and positive relationship
with adoption of improved practices in transplanted Aman rice.
Gogoi and gogoi (1989) in their study observed that size of land holding of
farmers had a significant relationship and positive effect on their adoption of plant
protection practices.
Muttaleb (1995) in his study observed that farm size of the farmers had a positive
relationship with the adoption of improved potato farmers and showed positive and
significant effect.
24
Sarkar (1997) found that farm size of the potato growers had a significant positive
relationship with their adoption of improved potato cultivation practices. Similar
findings between farm size and adoption of selected BINA technologies was also
reported by Chowdhury (1997).
Hussen (2001) conducted an investigation on adoption of modern sugarcane
cultivation practices by the farmers of Dewangonj upazila in Jamalpur district. He
observed that there was a significant positive relationship between farm size of the
farmers and their adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation practices.
Rahman (2001) conducted a study on knowledge, attitude and adoption of the
farmers regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice in sadar upazila of Mymensingh di strict.
He found that size farm size of the farmers had a significant and positive
relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice.
Aurangozeb (2002) conducted a study on adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He found that there farm size
had no relationship between homestead area and their adoption of integrated
homestead farming technologies.
Sardar (2002) conducted a study on adoption of IPM practices by the farmers
under PETRRA project of RDRS. He found that the farm size of the farmers and a
positive significant relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.
Haque (2005) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption of modern rice varieties in Sadar upazila of
Mymensing district. He reported that farm size of the rice growers had significant
and positive relationship with the adoption of modern rice varieties.
25
Talukder (2006) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption of selected rice cultivation practices in Char -
land of Gomoti River. He reported that farm size of the rice growers had
significant and positive relationship with the adoption of selected rice
cultivation practices.
2.2.4 Annual income and adoption of improved practices
Hossain (1983) made an investigation in Mymensingh district and found that
annual income of farmers had a negative relationship with their adoption of
HYV rice as transplanted Aman.
Singh (1989) in a study found that income of the farmers was significantly
associated with the level of adoption of plant protection measures.
Pal (1995) in his study found a positive significant relationship between income
of the farmers and their adoption of recommended practices in sugarcane
cultivation.
Chowdhury (1997) found that the annual income of the respondents had a
positively significant relationship with their adoption of selected B1NA
technologies. Similar findings were reported by Sarkar (1997) and Alam (1997).
Islam (2002) conducted a study on adoption of modern agricultural technologies
by the farmers of Sandip. He observed that he annual income of the farmers had
no relationship with their adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
Aurangozeb (2002) conducted a study on adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He found that there was a
positive significant relationship between annual income of the respondent and
their adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.
26
Hossain (2003) revealed that annual income of the farmers had a significant
relationship with their adoption at modern Boro rice cultivation practices.
Rahman (2003) conducted a study on environmental impacts of modern
agricultural technology diffusion in Bangladesh: an analysis of farmers‟ perception
and their determinations. He found that annual income of the farmers had a
positive relationship with their modern agricultural technologies diffusion in
Bangladesh.
Haque (2005) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption of modern rice varieties in Sadar upazila of
Mymensing district. He reported that annual income of the rice growers had
significant and positive relation with the adoption of modern rice varietie s.
2.2.5 Vegetable cultivation knowledge and adoption of improved practices
Koch (1985) conducted a study in the North western organize free state. South
Africa concerning perception of agricultural innovations aspiration, knowledge
and innovation adoption. He observed that three was a strong positive relationship
between knowledge and practice adoption. This finding is very much in agreement
with that of Rogers and Shoemaker (1971).
Reddy el at. (1987) found that the significant association between knowledge and
use of improved package of practices in paddy production by participant and non -
participant farmers.
Sardar (2002) studied adoption of IPM practices by the farmers under PETRRA
Project of BDRS. He found that agricultural knowledge had positive significant
relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.
Hoque (2003) concluded that extension contact of the farmers had a significant
positive relationship with the adoption of modern maize cultivation technologies.
2.2.6 Cosmopoliteness and adoption of improved practices
Hoque (1993) revealed a strong positive relationship between cosmopoliteness of
the cane farmers and their adoption of improved practices of sugarcane cultivation.
Pal (1995) conducted a study on adoption of recommended sugarcane cultivation
practices: He observed that the cosmopoliteness of the farmers had significant
positive relationship with their adoption of recommended sugarcane cultivation
practices.
Rahman (2001) conducted a study on knowledge, attitude and adoption of the
farmers regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice. He found that cosmopoliteness of the
farmers had a significant and positive relationship with their adoption of Aalok
6201 hybrid rice.
Aurangogeb (2002) conducted a study on the adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He found a significant
relationship between cosmopoliteness and adoption of integrated homestead
farming technologies.
Islam (2002) conducted a study on adoption of modern agricultural technologies by
the farmers of Sandip. He found that cosmopoliteness of the farmers had
significant positive relationship with their adoption of modern agricultural
technologies.
Sarder (2002) concluded that the cosmopoliteness of the farmers had positively
significant relationship with their adoption of IPM practices.
Hossain (2003) revealed that cosmopoliteness of the farmers had a significant and
positive relationship with their adoption of modern Boro rice cultivation practices.
2.2.7 Extension media contact and adoption of improved practices
Bezbora (1980) studied adoption of improved agricultural technology by the
farmers of Assam. The study indicated a positive relationship between extension
contact and adoption of improved cultivation practices.
Osunloogun et al. (1986) studied adoption of improved agricultural practices by
cooperative farmers in Nigeria. The findings of the study indicated a positive
relationship between extension contact and adoption of improved practices.
Rahman (1995) Studied on farmers‟ knowledge of improved practices in pota to
cultivation indicated a significant relationship between extension contact and
adoption of improved practices.
Sarkar (1997) found that extension contact of potato growers had a positive
significant relationship with their adoption of improved potato cu ltivation
practices. Chowdhury (1997) also observed similar findings.
Alam (1997) studied use of improved farm practices of rice cultivation by the
farmers of Anwara upazila of Chittagong district. The study indicated no
significant relationship with their use of improved farm practices in rice
cultivation.
Hussen (2001) conducted a study on farmers‟ knowledge and adoption of modern
sugarcane cultivation practices. He found that extension contact of the growers
had significant relationship with their adoption of modern sugarcane cultivation
practices.
Islam (2002) conducted a study on study on adoption of modern agricultural
technologies by the farmers of Sandip. He found that extension media contact of
the farmers had no significant relationship with their adoption of modern
agricultural technologies.
Haque (2005) conducted a study to determine the relationship of farmers‟
characteristics with their adoption of modern rice varieties in Sadar upazila of
Mymensing district. He reported that extension contact of the rice growers had
significant and positive relation with the adoption of modern rice varieties.
29
2.2.8 Organizational participation and adoption of improved practices
Ali (1984) found that organizational participation of contact farmers had
significant positive contribution to their agricultural knowledge.
Kher (1992) carried out a research study on the adoption of improved wheat
cultivation practices by the farmers of selected village of Rajouri block, India. He
observed that there was no significant relationship between the farmers‟ social
participation and their adoption of improved wheat cultivation practices.
Rahman (1995) in his study found that organizational participation of potato
farmers had no relationship with their knowledge regarding improved practices of
potato cultivation.
Alam (1997) found that organizational participation of the rice farmers had no
significant relationship with their use of improved farm practices in rice
cultivation.
Sarkar (1997) conducted a study on correlates of selected characteristics of potato
growers with their adoption of improved potato cultivation practices in five village
of Comilla district. He observed that organizational participation of the potato
growers had no relationship with their adoption of improved potato cultivation
practices.
Mostafa (1999) conducted a study on adoption of recommended mango cultivation
practices by the mango growers of Nawabganj Sadar upazila. He found that
organizational participation of mango growers had a significant positive
relationship of organizational participation with their adoption of recommended
mango cultivation practices.
Hussen (2001) conducted a study on the farmers‟ knowledge and adoption of
modern sugarcane cultivation practices. He found that organizational participat ion
of the growers had significant positive relationship with their adoption of modern
sugarcane cultivation practices.
30
Sardar (2002) in a study on IPM practices observed that organizational
participation of the farmers had no significant relationship with their adoption of
IPM practices.
Rahman (2005) found that the organizational participation of the farmers had no
significant relationship with their adoption of modern rice varieties.
2.2.9 Innovativeness and adoption of improved practices
Moulik et al. (1966) observed that innovation proneness significantly influenced
of nitrogenous fertilizers among the farmers.
Rahman (1973) found a positive relationship between modernism and adoption
of farm practices. Modernism as used by him is synonymous with the innovation
proneness or in other words innovativeness of the present study.
Muhammad (1974) conducted the study on the extent of adoption of strong
positive relationship by the farmers. He observed a strong positive relationship
between innovativeness and adoption of insect measures.
Sharma and Sonoria (1983) observed higher average innovativeness among
contact farmers than the non contact farmers. They also found that contact
farmers adoption of innovations differed significantly with their variation in
innovativeness.
Islam (2002) conducted a research study on adoption of modern agricultural
technologies by the farmers of Sandwip. He found that innovativeness of the
farmers had significant and positive relationship with their adoption of modern
agricultural technologies.
Rahman (2005) found that the innovativeness of the farmers had no significant
relationship with their adoption of modern rice varieties.
31
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
2.3 The conceptual Framework of the study
The conceptual framework of Rosenberg and Hovland (1960) was kept in mind
while farming the structural arrangement for the dependent and independent
variables. This study was concerned with dependent variable, adoption of improved
practices in vegetable cultivation by the farmers and the selected characteristics of
farmers as independents variables. The present study tried to focus two concepts,
first farmers selected characteristics and the second, adoption of improved
practices in vegetable cultivation Adoption of an individual may be influenced and
affected through interacting forces of many characteristics in his surroundings. It is
impossible to deal with all in a single study. It was therefore, necessary to limit the
characteristics which include age, education, farm size, annual family income,
vegetable cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media contact,
organizational participation, and innovativeness. The conceptual model of the
study has been presented below:
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
□ Age
□ Education
□ Farm size
□ Annual family income
□ Vegetable cultivation
knowledge
□ Cosmopoliteness
□ Extension media contact
□ Organizational participation
Adoption of improved
practices of vegetable
cultivation
Innovativeness
Figure 2.1 The conceptual framework of the study
32
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
The methodology used in conducting any research is critically important and
deserves careful consideration. It enables the researcher to collect valid and
reliable information in terms of hypothesis or research instrument and to
analyze the information properly to arrive at meaningful results. Methods and
procedures are the key factors in conducting a research. Appropriate
methodology will be used in research helps to collect valid and reliable
decisions.
3.1 Locale of the study:
Mainly considering the vegetable growing area including others vegetable such
as potato, tomato, brinjal etc. and the study was conducted in three villages like
Sonaton, Khanshama and Thakurdan of Haragach union under Kaunia Upazila at
Rangpur District, which were considered as the study area. The site was situated
15 km away from Rangpur sadar. Kaunis upazila was purposely selected as
located of the study. One (1) union (like Haragach) was randomly selected out
of three (3) union and three (3) villages (like Sonaton, Khanshama and
Thakurdan) were randomly selected out of fifteen (15) villages.
A map of Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur district has been presented in Figs. 3.1
34
3.2 Population and Sampling Design:
Three villages namely Sonaton, Khanshama and Thakurdan of Haragach union
under Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur District were selected purposively for the
study. Then an update list of vegetable growers of the selected villages was
prepared with the help of Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer (SAAO). The list
comprised a total of 457 farmers‟ constituting the population of this study.
Twenty five percent (25%) of the population was randomly selected the sample of
population by using a Calculator Random Numbers. Thus, the total sample size of
this study area was one hundred and fourteen (114) farmers.
In addition to that, two (2) percent of the population was selected randomly and
proportionately of the selected villages to make a reserve list. Thus, the
additional sample, so drawn stood twelve (12) farmers, which were included in
the reserve list. In case the individuals included in the original sample were not
available at the time of data collection, the farmers from the reserve list were
used for the purpose. The distribution of the farmers included in the population,
sample and those in the reserve list appears in Table3.1.
Table 3.1 Distribution of population, sample and the reserve list of the respondents
SI.
No.
Name of villages Total number of
farmers
Sample size Number of
farmers in the
reserve list
1 Sonaton 165 41 5
2 Khanshama 140 35 3
3 Thakurdan 152 38 4
Total 457 114 12
3.3 Development of the Instrument
In order to collect relevant information from respondents an interview schedule
was carefully designed focusing the objectives of the study. Both open and close
form, simple and direct questions were included in the interview schedule. The
questions were systematically arranged to help the respondents to understand the
consequence easily. Scales were developed for collecting information required for
measuring the selected characteristics.
3.4 Pilot testing and Final Version
Borg and Gall (1979) indicated that the instrument with a sample of individuals
similar to the groups one wishes to use in the research should be tested in a pilot
programme before using the instrument in the actual study. Accordingly, the
interview schedule that was initially developed was tested with a similar group of
farmers to be included for sampling. Ten vegetable growers were interviewed by
using the instrument. The pretest helped to examine the suitability of different
questions and statements of the instrument in general. Necessary corrections,
additions, alterations and rearrangements were made in the schedule on the basis
of experience of the pretest. Thus, the final version of the instrument was
developed for collection of data from intended respondents.
3.5 Variables of the Study:
In a descriptive social research, the selection of variables constitutes an important
task. In this connection, the investigator looked into the literature to widen his
understanding about the nature and scope of the variables involved in the research
studies.
Ezekiel and Fox (1959) stated variable as any measurable characteristics, which
can assume varying or different values in successive individual cases. A resea rch
hypothesis contains at least two elements, independent variables and a dependent
variable.
36
The researcher keeping in mind took adequate care in selecting the dependent and
independent variables of the study. Before selecting variables, the researcher
herself visited the study area and talked to the local farmers intimately and she
was able to observe the various factors of the farmers, which might have influence
on their adoption of selected vegetable production practices. Based on this
experience, literature for the study, discussion with relevant experts and
academicians and also with the research supervisor, the researcher selected the
variables for this study.
Two types of variables were concerned with the study
such as i Independent variables and ii. Dependent
variables
i. Independent variables: An independent variable is that factor which is
manipulated by the experimenter in his attempt to ascertain the relationship to an
observed phenomenon. The respondents‟ selected characteristics are age,
education, farm size, annual family income, vegetable cultivation knowledge,
cosmopoliteness, organizational participation, extension media contact and
innovativeness were selected as independent variables.
ii. Dependent variable: A dependent variable is that factor which appears,
disappears or varies as the experimenter introduces, removes or varies the
independent variables (Townsand, 1995). In this study adoption of improved
practices in vegetables cultivation is selected as dependent variable. It was not
possible to measure all the improved practices. So, several practices were
considered in this study. These were recommended variety, balance fertilizer dose,
integrated pest management method and use of insecticide & fungicide.
3.6 Measurement of Variables
In order to conduct the study in accordance with the objectives, it was necessary to
measure the selected variables. This section contains procedures for measurement
of both independent and dependent variables of the study. The procedures
followed in measuring the variables are presented below.
37
3.6.1 Measurement of independent variables
The selected characteristics of the respondent farmers constituted the independent
variables of the study. To keep the research manageable, nine (9) independent
variables were selected for the study. The procedures of measurement of the
selected variables were as follows:
Age
The age of individual is one of the important factors pertaining to his personality
make up (Smith and Zope, 1970) which can play an important role in his/her
adoption behavior. The age of a respondent farmer was measured by counting the
actual years from his/her birth to the time of interview on the basis of his
statement. It was measured in terms of actual years. No fractional year was
considered for the study.
Education
Education was measured as the ability of an individual vegetable farmer to read
and write or formal education received up to a certain standard. Education of a
respondent was measured on the basis of classes he had who passed in formal
educational institution For example, if a respondent passed class 5, his education
score was 5. If a respondent did not know how to read and write his education
score was taken as zero (0). A score of 0.5 was given to that respondent who could
sign his name only.
Farm size
Farm size of the respondent was measured as the size of his farm (including
vegetable and other crops) on which he continued his/her farm practices during the
period of study. Each respondent was asked to mention the homestead area, the
area of land under his/her own cultivation, own land given to others on borga
system, land taken from others on borga system, and land taken from others on
lease system. The area was estimated in terms of full benefit to the farmers or his
family. The following formula was used in measuring the farm size:
Farm size= Ai +A2+1/2(A.3+A4) + A5
Where,
A1 = Homestead area
A2= Own land under own cultivation
A3= Own land given to others on borga
A4= Land taken from others on borga
A5= Land taken from others on lease
The unit of measurement was hectares.
Annual family income
Annual family income of a respondent was measured on the basis of total yearly
earning from agricultural and non-agricultural sources (business, service etc)
earned by the respondent himself and other family members. The incomes from
different sources were ascertained in two phases.
1. In the first phase, the yield of the entire crop in the previous year was noted,
and then the entire yield was converted into cash income according to the
prevailing market price. The cash income by selling cattle heads, milk and milk
products, poultry and its products, fisheries etc. according to prevailing market
price.
2. In the second phase, earnings of each respondent himself/herself and other
members of his/her family from different sources (like service, business, labor) in
the last year from farming and others sources were added together to obtain total
family annual income of the respondent.
* Total annual family income = A+B
Where,
A =Annual income from (Agricultural Sector) agricultural crops, livestock,
poultry & fisheries.
B = Annual income from (Non Agricultural Sector) service, business &
labor.
39
Vegetable cultivation knowledge
To measure the vegetable cultivation knowledge of a respondent a 21-items
questions was constructed in the interview schedule (Appendix A, item no. 5).
Each questions was assigned 1 score. Practical score was given for practically
correct answer. So correct answer of 21 questions supposed to obtain 21 marks.
Wrong answer was assigned zero. So a respondent could get zero if he/she answer
wrong all the 21 question. The possible score of vegetable cultivation score range
from 0-21.
Cosmopoliteness
Cosmopoliteness refers to the degree to which a respondent‟s orientation to
external would not of his/her own social system Cosmopoliteness of a respondent
was measured in terms of his/her nature of visits to the 11 different types of places
as shown in item number 6 in the interview schedule. The cosmopoliteness was
measured by assigning score 3 for frequently visit, 2 for occasionally visit, 1 for
rarely visit and 0 for not at all. The cosmopoliteness score of the respondents
could range from 0 to 33, where 0 indicating no cosmopoliteness and 33 indicating
very high cosmopoliteness.
Extension Media Contact
Extension media contact refers to one‟s exposure to the influence of extension
program through different communication media and sources. The extension
media contact of a respondent was measured by computing an extension contact
score on the basis of his/her extension contact with sixteen selected extension
media. Respondents mentioned the nature of his/her contact by putting a tick mark
against any one of the four responses -not at all, rarely, occasionally and
frequently. The score for each respondent was determined by adding his/her
response to all the items on the basis of his/her frequency of contact with a score
of 0, 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The extension media contact score of the respondents
could range from 0 to 48, where 0 indicating no extension media contact and 48
indicating very high extension media contact.
40
Organizational participation
Organizational participation of a respondent was measured by his/her nature of
membership in different organizations for a particular period of time. This was
measured by participation of a respondent in an organization. Different weights
were assigned as 0, 1, 2 and 3 for no participation, ordinary member, executive
committee member and executive committee officer respectively. Then these
scores were multiplied by number of years, (tenure of participation) the
respondent participated in the respective organization.
Innovativeness
Innovativeness is the degree to which an individual adopts an innovation
relatively earlier than other members in a social system (Rogers; 1995). In this
study, innovativeness of a respondent was measured on the basis of the earlier
or later adoption of 10 improved agricultural practices (Appendix A: item no.9).
The scores were assigned on the basis of time required by an individual to adopt
each of the practices in the following manner:
Innovativeness score of a respondent farmer was obtained by adding his/her
scores for adoption of all the 10 selected improved agricultural practices.
Innovativeness score of a respondent farmer could range from 0 to 50, where, 0
indicating no innovativeness and 50 indicating very high innovativeness.
Period of adoption Assigned score
Within one year after awareness 5
After one to within two year after awareness 4
After two to within three years after awareness 3
After three to within four years after awareness
2
After four years after awareness 1
No use 0
41
3.6.2 Measurement of dependent variable
Adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation was my dependent
variable. The procedure followed in measuring the dependent variable is presented
below:
Adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation Vegetable adoption
score
There were three dimensions of adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation such as land use for vegetable variety cultivation, fertilizer application
and adoption of integrated pest management practices. Adoption of improved
practices in vegetables cultivation was measured by computing Adoption Quotient
(AQ). It was calculated by asking the farmers i) used land, ii) total land and iii)
percentage of this land. Adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation
was measured by Adoption Quotient as the following formula:
AQ = (Use land X 100) / Total land
Using above formula, adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation
score of a respondent could range from 0-100, while 0 indicating no adoption and
100 indicating highest adoption.
Fertilizer application score
The fertilizers used by the respondents were Cow dung, Urea, T.S.P and M.P.
Fertilizer application score could range from 0->100 (above 100 means over
adoption). Hence, fertilizers score of a respondent was obtained by using the
following formula:
Use of fertilizer = (Applied Dose X 100) / Recommended Dose.
42
IPM score
The IPM method use in adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation
score in the following way:
Hence, 1PM score of a respondent was obtained by using the following formula:
1PM score = (Obtained IPM score) X 100 / Possible highest score.
Insecticides& fungicide score
The insecticides& fungicide use in adoption of improved practices in vegetables
cultivation score in the following way:
Hence, insecticides& fungicide score of a respondent was obtained by using the
following formula:
Insecticides& fungicide score = (Obtained score) X 100 / Possible highest score
Extent of use of method Score
Not used 0
One method used 1
More than one method used 2
Extent of use of insecticides& fungicide
Score
Not used 0
One insecticides& fungicide used 1
More than one insecticides& fungicide
used
2
43
3.7 Statement of Hypothesis
As defined by Goode and Hatt (1952), “A hypothesis is a proposition which can be
put to a test to determine its validity. It may seem contrary to, or in accord with
common sense. It may prove to be correct or incorrect. In any event, however, it
leads to an empirical test”. A hypothesis simply means a more assumption or some
supposition to be proved or disproved. But for a researcher, hypothesis is a normal
question that he intends to resolve. According to kerlinger (1973), “A hypothesis
is a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables.
Hypotheses are always in declarative statements form, and they relate either
generally or specifically variables to variables”. Hypotheses may be broadly
divided into two categories, namely, research hypothesis and null hypothesis. In
studying relationships between variables, an investigator first formulates research
hypotheses which states anticipated relationships between the variables . However,
for statistical test it becomes necessary to formulate null hypothesis. A null
hypothesis states that there is no relationship between concerned variables.
The null hypotheses were developed in this study to explore the relationship
between dependent and independent variables. The following null hypotheses were
formulated to explore the relationships of the selected characteristics of the
farmers with their adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation.
"There were no relationships between the farmers' selected characteristics and their
adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation. ”
The characteristics were: age, education, farm size, annual family income,
vegetable cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media contact,
organizational participation and innovativeness.
44
3.8 Collection of Data
Data were collected personally by the researcher himself through face to face visit
to all the selected farmers of Sonaton, Khanshama and Thakurdan villages of
Kaunia Upazila under Rangpur District to obtain valid and pertinent information.
The researcher made all possible efforts to explain the purpose of the study to the
farmers. Rapports were established with the farmers prior to interview and the
objectives were clearly explained by using local language to the extent possible. So
he did not hesitate to furnish proper responses to the questions and statements
which were collected during 7lh
March to 9th
April, 2008. At the time of data
collection, the researcher was also aware of side talking and tried to avoid that
problem tactfully. The researcher sought the help of the local Sub Assistant
Agricultural Officer (SAAO) for this purpose. Excellent co-operation and co-
ordination were obtained from all the respondents.
The interview schedule was prepared both in Bengali and English version. The
Bengali version of interview schedule was multiplied as per requirements to
collect data from the respondents. The English version of interview schedule is
enclosed in appendix- A.
3.9 Processing of Data
The collected raw data were examined thoroughly to find out the errors and
omissions. For this, the researcher made a careful scrutiny of the completed
interview schedule to make sure that they were entered as complete as possible and
well arranged to facilitate coding and tabulation. Very minor mistakes were
detected by doing this, which were corrected promptly.
Having consulted with research supervisor, the investigator prepared a detailed
coding plan. All responses in the interview schedule were given numerical coded
values. Local units were converted into standard units. All the individual responses
to the questions of the interview schedule were transferred to a master sheet to
facilitate tabulation.
In case of qualitative data, appropriate scoring technique was followed to convert
the data into quantitative forms. These were then tabulated according to the
objectives of the study.
For describing the various independent and dependent variables, the respondents
were classified into various categories and arranged in simple table for description.
These categories were developed for each of the variable by considering the nature
of distribution of the data and the general consideration prevailing in the social
system. The procedure and the effect of categorization of a particular variable
were discussed while describing the variable in the subsequent sections.
3.10 Statistical Analysis
The collected data were compiled, tabulated, coded and analyzed in accordance
with the objectives of the study. The statistical measures such as number and
percentage distribution, range, mean, standard deviation and rank order were used
for describing the variables of the study. To find out the relationship between the
adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation and the selected
characteristics of the farmers, the Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was
computed. Correlation matrix was also computed to determine the
interrelationships among the variables. Five percent (0.05) levels of significance
was use as the basis of statistical significance. If the computed value of co-
efficient of correlation „r‟ was equal to or greater than Table value of correlation
co-efficient at designated. Level of significance for the relevant degree of
freedom, the null hypothesis was rejected and it was concluded that there was
significant relationship between the concerned variables. However, when the
computed value of coefficient of correlation was found to be smaller than the
tabular value at the designated level of significance for the relevant degree of
freedom, it was concluded that the null hypothesis could not be rejected and hence
there was no relationship between the concerned variables.
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In general, the term “adoption” refers to the integration of an innovation into a
farmer‟s normal farming activity over an extended period of time. In fact, the
farmers adopt various types of innovations. Improved vegetable cultivation is one
of the innovations. This chapter is divided into four sections. In the first section,
the independent variables (selected characteristics of the farmers) have been
discussed. The second section deals with the dependent variable of the study. The
third section deals with the relationships between selected characteristic s of the
farmers and their adoption of improved vegetable cultivation. In the fourth section,
a discussion was made on the comparative problems confrontation of the farmers in
adopting improved vegetable cultivation
4.1 Selected Characteristics of the Farmers
A summary of the analyzed results for the selected personal, economic, social and
psychological characteristics of the farmers (independent variables) for this study
were shown in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Farmer’s Personal Characteristics Profile
47
4.1.1 Age
The observed age scores of the farmers ranged from 25 to 72 having an average
of 44.60 and a standard deviation of 10.44. On the basis of the age scores of the
farmers, they were classified into three categories: “young” (up to 35 years),
“middle aged” (36-50 years) and “old” (above 50 years). The distribution of the
farmers according to their age is shown in Table 4.2.
SI.
no.
Characteristics Measuring
unit
Possible
range
Observed
range
Mean Standard
deviation
1. Age Actual years Unknown 25-72 44.60 10.44
2. Education Year of
schooling
Unknown 0-14 5.42 4.53
3. Farm size Hectare Unknown 0.18-9.14 1.53 1.68
4. Annual family
income
In Tk . 1000 Unknown 21.60-
846.00
187.04 180.48
5. Vegetable
cultivation
knowledge
Score 0-21 3-21 15.44 5.04
6. Cosmopoliteness Score 0-33 1-14 6.60 3.97
7. Extension
contact
Score 0-48 1-24 9.83 6.55
8. Organizational
participation
Score 0-14 0-14 2.35 2.86
9. Innovativeness Score 0-50 1-17 7.17 3.13
Table 4.2 Distribution of the farmers according to age
48
The finding indicated that a large proportion (52.6 percent) of the farmers were
middle aged compared to 21.1 and 26.3 percent being young and old respectively.
It was found that middle aged respondents are more interested in adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation. The extension agencies should
consider this age category among the farmers and involve them for increasing their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
4.1.2 Education
The observed education scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 14 having an
average of 5.42 and the standard deviation was 4.53. On the basis of their
education scores, the farmers were classified into four categories, namely
“illiterate” (0), “primary level” (1-5), “secondary level” (6-10) and “above
secondary level” (above 10). The distribution of the farmers according to their
level of education is shown in Table 4.3.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Young (up to 35
years)
24 21.1
Middle aged (36-50
years)
60 52.6 44.60 10.44
Old
(above 50 years)
30 26.3
Total 114 100
Table 4.3 Distribution of the farmers according to education
The finding showed that the majority (55.2 percent) of the farmers had p rimary to
secondary level of education compared to 16.7 percent having education above
secondary level. On the other hand, among the respondents 12.3 percent had
illiterate and 15.8 percent could sign only. It was assumed that majority of the
respondents were progressive and innovative with respect to adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation
4.1.3 Farm Size
The observed farm size scores of the farmers varied from 0.18 hectare to 9.14
hectares. The average farm size was 1.53 hectares and the standard deviation was
1.68. The farmers were classified into the following four categories based on their
farm size scores: “marginal farm size” (up to 0.5), “small farm size” (0.51 -1.00),
and “medium farm size” (1.01 -3.00) and “large farm size” (above 3.00 ha) . The
distribution of the farmers according to their farm size is shown in Table 4.4
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Illiterate (0) 14 12.3
Can sign only (0.5) 18 15.8
Primary level ( 1-5 ) 33 28.9
Secondary level ( 6-10 ) 30 26.3 5.42 4.53
Above secondary level
(above 10)
19 16.7
Total 114 100
Table 4.4 Distribution of farmers according to farm size
50
The finding showed that 84.2 percent of the farmers possessed marginal to
medium farm size compared to 15.8 percent of them having large farm size. The
average farm size of the farmers was 1.53 hectare which is a much higher than
the national average farm size which is equivalent to 0.80 hectare (BBS, 2006).
This indicates that the farm size levels of the farmers in the study area were like
a higher than a typical agricultural farming community of Bangladesh.
4.1.4 Annual Family Income
The observed annual family income of the farmers ranged from 21.60-846.00
having an average of 187.04 with a standard deviation of 180.48. Based on their
annual family income scores, the farmers were classified into three categories:
“low income” (up to 100 thousand Taka), “medium income” (101 -300 thousand
Taka) and “high income” (above 300 thousand Taka). The distribution of the
farmers according to their annual family income is shown in Table 4.5.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Marginal farm size
(up to 0.5 ha)
27 23.7
Small farm size
(0.51-1.00 ha)
41 35.9
Medium farm size
(1.01-3.00 ha)
28 24.6 1.53 1.68
Large farm size
(above 3 .00 ha)
18 15.8
Total 114 100
Table 4.5 Distribution of farmers according to annual family income
51
The finding revealed that the highest portion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had low
to medium annual family income while 17.5 percent of them had high annual
family income. That means majority of the farmers of the study area had moderate
family income.
4.1.5 Vegetable cultivation knowledge
The observed vegetable cultivation knowledge scores of the farmers ranged from 3
to 21 with an average of 15.44 and a standard deviation of 5.04 against the possible
range of 0 to 21. On the basis of their vegetable cultivation knowledge scores, the
farmers were classified into three categories: “Poor knowledge” (up to 7), “medium
knowledge” (8- 14), and “high knowledge” (above 14). The distribution of the
farmers according to their vegetable cultivation knowledge is shown in Table 4.6.
Farmers Mean Standard
Categories Number Percent Deviation
Low income (up to 100 thousand
Taka)
48 42.1
Medium income (100-300
thousand Taka)
46 40.4 187.04 180 48
High income (above 300
thousand Taka)
20 17.5
Total 114 100
Table 4.6 Distribution of farmers according to vegetable cultivation knowledge
52
The finding showed that the majority (69.3 percent) of the fa rmers had high
knowledge on vegetable cultivation compared to 12.3 and 18.4 percent having poor
and medium vegetable cultivation knowledge respectively. It was remarkable that
the farmers of the study area were very conscious about vegetable cultivation
process.
4.1.6 Cosmopoliteness
The observed cosmopoliteness scores of the farmers ranged from 1 to 14 with an
average of 15.44 and a standard deviation of 5.04 against the possible range of 0 to
33. On the basis of their cosmopoliteness scores, the farmers were classified into
four categories: “low cosmopoliteness” (up to 6), “medium cosmopoliteness” (7 -
10) and “high cosmopoliteness” (above 10). The distribution of the farmers
according to their cosmopoliteness scores is shown in Table 4.7.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Poor knowledge (up to 7) 14 12.3
Medium knowledge (8-14) 21 18.4 15.44 5.04
High knowledge (above 14) 79 69.3
Total 114 100
Table 4.7 Distribution of farmers according to cosmopoliteness
53
The finding showed that the majority (57.9 percent) of the farmers had low
cosmopoliteness compared to 18.4 and 23.7 percent having medium and high
cosmopoliteness respectively. It was revealed that social barrier, economic
hardship and illiteracy discouraged them from going outside their own location.
4.1.7 Extension Media Contact
The observed extension media contact scores of the farmers ranged from 1 -24
against the possible range of 0 to 48 having an average of 9.83 with a standard
deviation of 6.55. Based on the extension media contact scores, the farmers were
classified into three categories: “low extension media contact” (up to 8), “medium
extension media contact” (9-16) and “high extension media contact” (above 16).
The distribution of the farmers according to their extension media contact scores is
shown in Table 4.8.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Low cosmopoliteness (up to
6)
66 57.9
Medium cosmopoliteness 21 18.4
(7-10) 6.60 3.97
High cosmopoliteness (above
10)
27 23.7
Total 114 100
Table 4.8 Distribution of farmers according to extension media contact
54
The finding showed that the highest proportion (55.3 percent) of the farmers had
low extension media contact as compared to 22.8 and 21.9 percent having medium
and high extension media contact respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that most
of the farmers were either not getting help from the extension workers or they were
not aware of the services provided by different extension agencies.
4.1.8 Organizational Participation
The observed organizational participation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 14
having an average of 2.35 and a standard deviation of 2.86. On the basis of their
agricultural training scores, the farmers were classified into four categories: “low
organizational participation” (up to 6), “medium organizational participation” (7 -
10) and high organizational participation (above 10). The distribution of the
farmers according to their organizational participation scores is shown in Table
4.9.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Low extension media contact
(up to 8)
63 55.3
Medium extension media
contact (9-16)
26 22.8 9.83 6.55
High extension media contact
(above 16)
25 21.9
Total 114 100
Table 4.9 Distribution of farmers according to organizational participation
The finding revealed that 88.6 percent of the farmers had low organizational
participation compared to 9.6 and 1.8 percent having medium and high
organizational participation respectively. So, there is a need to motivate farmers of
the study area towards the involvement with different organizations.
4.1.9 Innovativeness
The observed innovativeness scores of the farmers ranged from 1 to 17 having an
average of 7.17 and a standard deviation of 3.13 against the possible range of 0 -50.
Based on the innovativeness scores, the farmers were classified into the following
three categories: “low innovativeness” (up to 6), “medium innovativeness” (7 to
12) and “high innovativeness” (above 12). The distribution of the farmers
according to their innovativeness scores is shown in Table 4.10.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
Low organizational
participation
( up to 6)
103 88.6 2.35 2.86
Medium organizational
participation
(7-10)
11 9.6
High organizational
participation
(above 10)
2 1.8
Total 114 100
Table 4.10 Distribution of farmers according to innovativeness
56
The finding indicated that the highest proportion (49.1 percent) of the farmers had
medium innovativeness compared to 46.5 and 4.4 percent having low
innovativeness and medium innovativeness respectively. The above data reveal that
maximum (95.6 percent) of the respondents had low to medium innovativeness.
4.2 Adoption of Improved Practices in Vegetable Cultivation
4.2.1 Adoption of Improved Varieties by the Farmers
An Adoption is ration scale was used to measure farmers‟ adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. The findings are described below:
The observed adoption of improved varieties of vegetable cultivation scores of the
farmers ranged from 0 to 188.83 having an average of 43.70 with a standard
deviation 30.56. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified
into four categories: “no adoption” (0), “low adoption” (up to 63), “medium
adoption” (64-126) and “high adoption” (above 126).
The distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of improved practices is
shown in Figure 4,1.
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Low innovativeness (up to 6) 53 46.5
Medium innovativeness (7-12) 56 49.1 7.17 3.13
High innovativeness (above 12) 5 4.4
Total 1 14 100
57
Figure 4.1 Bar graph showing categories of participation
The highest proportion (58.8 percent) of the farmers fell in the “low adoption” category
while 21 percent of them fell in the “medium adoption” category and only 0.9 percent fell in
the “high adoption” category. On the other hand, 18.4 percent of the respondents had no
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation at all. This scenario is not
satisfactory and therefore should overcome immediately by taking necessary steps by GOs
and NGOs.
58
4.2.2 Adoption of Recommended Fertilizer and Insecticide & Fungicide
Dose/Method by the Farmers
(i) Adoption of Fertilizer in Potato Cultivation
a) The observed adoption of Urea in potato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged
from 0 to 90.90 having an average of 60.96 with a standard deviation 36.67. On the
basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into four categories: “no
adoption” (0), “low adoption” (0.1-50), “medium adoption” (50.1-99.9) “optimum
adoption” (100.0) and “over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the
farmers according to their adoption of Urea in potato cultivation scores is shown in
Table 4.11.
The highest proportion (60.5 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption while
21.9 percent and 17.6 percent of them had no adoption and low adoption of Urea in
potato cultivation at all. On the other hand, no optimum adoption and over
adoption of Urea in potato cultivation were found.
Table 4.11 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Potato) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
No adoption (0) 25 21.9
Low adoption (0.1 -50) 20 17.6
Medium adoption (50.1-99.9) 69 60.5 60.96 36.67
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
59
b) The observed adoption of TSP in potato cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from O to 833.33 having an average of 67.54 with a standard deviation
80.14. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into four
categories: “no adoption” (0), “low adoption” (0.1 -50), “medium adoption”
(50.1-99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0) and “over adoption” (above 100.0).
The distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of TSP in potato
cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.12.
The highest proportion (72.8 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption while
21.9 percent and 2.7 percent of them had no adoption and low adoption of TSP
in potato cultivation at all. On the other hand, 0.9 percent optimum adoption and
1.7 percent over adoption of TSP in potato cultivation were found.
Table 4.12 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Potato) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
No adoption (0) 25 21.9
Low adoption (0.1-50) 3 2.7
Medium adoption (50.1-99.9) 83 72.8 60.96 36.67
Optimum adoption (100.0) 1 0.9
Over adoption (above 100.0) 2 1.7
Total 1 14 100
60
c) The observed adoption of MP in potato cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from 0 to 90.90 having an average of 59.44 with a standard deviation of
36.55. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into
four categories: “no adoption” (0), “low adoption” (0.1 -50), “medium adoption”
(50.1-99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0) and “over adoption” (above 100.0).
The distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of MP in potato
cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.13.
The highest proportion (57.9 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption while
21.9 percent and 20.2 percent of them had no adoption and low adoption of MP
in potato cultivation at all. On the other hand, no optimum adoption and over
adoption of MP in potato cultivation were found.
Table 4.13 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Potato) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
No adoption (0) 25 21.9
Low adoption (0.1-50) 23 20.2
Medium adoption (50.1-99.9) 66 57.9 59.44 36.55
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
(ii) Adoption of Fertilizer in Tomato Cultivation
a) The observed adoption of Urea in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from 0 to 20.58 having an average of 2.18 with a standard deviation of
4.84. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six
categories: “no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption”
(15.1 to 50.0), “medium adoption” (50 1 to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0)
and “over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according to
their adoption of Urea in tomato cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.14.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 16.5
percent and 0.9 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of Urea
in tomato cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption,
optimum adoption and over adoption of Urea in tomato cultivation were found.
Table 4.14 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Tomato)
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 19 16.6
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 1 0.9
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 0 0 2.18 4.84
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
62
b) The observed adoption of TSP in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from 0 to 25.72 having an average of 2.69 with a standard deviation of
6.01. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six
categories: “no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption”
(15.1 to 50.0), “medium adoption” (50.1 to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0)
and “over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according t o
their adoption of TSP in tomato cultivation scores is shown in Table 4 15.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 1.7
percent and 15.8 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of
TSP in tomato cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption,
optimum adoption and over adoption of TSP in tomato cultivation were found .
Table 4.15 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Tomato) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 2 1.7
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 18 15.8
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 0 0 2.69 6.01
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
c) The observed adoption of MP in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from O to 20.58 having an average of 2.72 with a standard deviation of
6.05. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six
categories: “no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption”
(15.1 to 50.0), “medium adoption” (50.1 to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0)
and “over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according to
their adoption of MP in tomato cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.16.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 4.3
percent and 13.2 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of MP
in tomato cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption,
optimum adoption and over adoption of MP in tomato cultivation were found.
Table 4.16 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Tomato) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 5 4.3
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 15 13.2
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 0 0 2.72 6.05
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
64
(iii) Adoption of fertilizer in Brinjal Cultivation
a) The observed adoption of Urea in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from 0 to 27.80 having an average of 3.06 with a standard deviation of
6.97. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six
categories: “no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption”
(15.1 to 50.0), “medium adoption” (50.1 to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0) and
“over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according to their
adoption of Urea in brinjal cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.17.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 0.9
percent and 16.6 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of Urea
in brinjal cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption,
optimum adoption and over adoption of Urea in brinjal cultivation were found.
Table 4.17 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of Urea (Brinjal)
Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 1 0.9
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 19 16.6
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 0 0 3.06 6.97
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
b) The observed adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers
ranged from Oto 70.97 having an average of 7.71 with a standard deviation of
17.60. On the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six
categories: “no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption”
(15.1 to 50.0), “medium adoption” (50 I to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0)
and “over adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according to
their adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.18.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 0.9
percent, 14 percent and 2.6 percent of them had very low adoption, low adoption
and medium adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation respectively. On the other
hand, no optimum adoption and over adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation were
found.
Table 4.18 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of TSP (Brinjal) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 1 0.9
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 16 14
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 6 2.6 7.71 17.60
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
c) The observed adoption of MP in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers ranged
from 0 to 21.43 having an average of 2.36 with a standard deviation of 5.38. On
the basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into six categories:
“no adoption” (0), “very low adoption” (0.1 to 15), “low adoption” (15.1 to 50.0),
“medium adoption” (50.1 to 99.9), “optimum adoption” (100.0) and “over
adoption” (above 100.0). The distribution of the farmers according to their
adoption of MP in brinjal cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.19.
The highest proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 14
percent and 3.5 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of MP in
brinjal cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of MP in brinjal cultivation were found.
Table 4.19 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of MP (Brinjal) Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Deviation Number Percent
No adoption (0) 94 82.5
Very low adoption (up to 15.0) 16 14
Low adoption (15.1 to 50.0) 4 3.5
Medium adoption (50.1 to 99.9) 0 0 2.36 5.38
Optimum adoption (100.0) 0 0
Over adoption (above 100.0) 0 0
Total 114 100
67
(iv) Use of IPM Method in Vegetable Cultivation
The observed adoption of IMP method scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 1.0
having an average of 0.82 with a standard deviation of 0.39. On the basis of their
adoption scores, the farmers were classified into three categories: “low use” (0 to
0.50), “medium use” (0.51 to 1.00) and “high use” (above 1.00). The distribution
of the farmers according to their adoption of IPM method in vegetable cultivation
scores is shown in Table 4.20.
The highest proportion (81.6 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption of IPM
method while 18 4 percent of them had low adoption of IMP method in vegetable
cultivation. On the other hand, no high adoption of IPM method in vegetable
cultivation was found.
(v) Use of Insecticide and Fungicide in Vegetable Cultivation
The observed adoption of insecticide and fungicide scores of the farmers ranged
from 0 to 3.0 having an average of 1.68 with a standard deviation of 0.87. On the
basis of their adoption scores, the farmers were classified into three categories:
“low use” (0 to 0.50), “medium use” (0.51 to 1.00) and “high use” (above 1.00).
The distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of insecticide and
fungicide in vegetable cultivation scores is shown in Table 4.20.
Table 4.20 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of IPM method Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Low adoption (0 to 0.50) 21 18.4
Medium adoption (0.51 to 1.00) 93 81.6 0.82 0.39
High adoption (above 1.00) 0 0
Total 114 100
68
The highest proportion (73.7 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption of
insecticide and fungicide while 18.4 percent and 7.9 percent of them had low
adoption and high adoption of insecticide and fungicide in vegetable cultivation.
4.3 Relationship between the Characteristics of the Farmers and their Adoption
of Improved Practices of Vegetable Cultivation
Coefficient of correlation was computed in order to explore the relationship
between the selected characteristics of the farmers and their adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. The selected characteristics of the farmers
constituted independent variables and adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation constituted the dependent variable of the study.
In this section relationship between nine selected characteristics (independent
variables) of the farmers viz. age, education, farm size, annual family income,
vegetable cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension contact,
organizational participation, innovativeness and dependent variable i.e. adoption of
improved practices in vegetable cultivation have been described.
Table 4.21 Distribution of farmers according to adoption of insecticide
and fungicide Categories Farmers Mean Standard
Number Percent Deviation
Low adoption (0 to 0.50) 21 18.4
Medium adoption (0.51 to 1.00) 84 73.7 1.68 0.87
High adoption (above 1.00) 9 7.9
Total 114 100
69
Person‟s Product Moment Co-efficient of Correlation (r) has been used to test the
hypothesis concerning the relationship between two variables. Five percent and one
percent level of probability were used as the basis for rejection of a hypothesis.
The table value of „r‟ was calculated at (114-2) = 112 degrees of freedom. The
summary of the results of the co-efficient of correlation indicating the relationships
between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation is shown in Table 4.21.
Table 4.22 Correlation coefficient between the selected characteristics of the farmers with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation Table Value of ‘r’
Dependent
Variable Compute
d Value
Independent Variables at 112 Degrees of
Freedom
of ‘r’ at 5%
level
at 1 %
level
Adoption -0.098NS
Age
of
improved
practices of
0.286** Education
0.15 5 NS
Farm size
vegetable
cultivation
0.104NS
Annual family income 0.182 0.238
0.529** Vegetable cultivation knowledge
0.227* Cosmopoliteness
0.205* Extension contact
0 181NS
Organizational participation
0.379** Innovativeness
* = Not significant
* = Significant at 0.05 level of probability
** = Significant at 0.01 level of probability
70
4.3.1 Relationship between age of the farmers and dependent variable
The relationship between age of the farmers and their adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the following null
hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between age of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between age of the farmers and
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was found to be -
0.098NS
as shown in Table 4.21. The following observations were recorded
regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis of the co -
efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a negative trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.098) was smaller than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. r The concerned null hypothesis was accepted.
r The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was not
significant at 0.05 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that age of the farmers had no significant relationship
with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It was
observed in one study area that the older farmers had higher adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation, but in another area reverse result
was observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that other factors of the farmers
like annual family income, extension contact, cosmopoliteness etc. might have
influenced them in adopting improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
4.3.2 Relationship between education of the farmers and dependent variable
71
The relationship between education of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between education of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
The co-efficient of correlation between education of the farmers and adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation was found to be 0.286** as shown in
Table 4.21. The following observations were recorded regarding the relationship
between the two variables on the basis of co-efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.286) was greater than the table value (± 0.238)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.01 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was rejected.
> The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was not
significant at 0.01 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that there was significant positive relationship
between education of the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of
vegetable cultivation.
4.3.3 Relationship between farm size of the farmers and dependent variable
72
The relationship between farm size of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between farm size of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between farm size of the
farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was
found to be 0.155NS
as shown in Table 4.21. The following observations were
recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis of co -
efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.155) was smaller than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was accepted.
>The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was not
significant at 0.05 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that the farm size of the farmers had no significant
relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
The relationship between annual family income of the farmers and their adoption
of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between annual family income of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
4.3.4 Relationship between annual family income of the farmers and dependent variable
73
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between annual family income
of the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation
was found to be 0.104NS
as shown in Table 4.21. The following observations
were recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis
of coefficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
The computed value of „r‟ (0.104) was smaller than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was accepted.
> The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was not
significant at 0.05 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that the annual family income of the farmers had no
significant relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation.
4.3.5 Relationship between vegetable cultivation knowledge of the farmers and dependent variable
74
The relationship between vegetable cultivation knowledge of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing
the following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between vegetable cultivation knowledge of the farmers
and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between vegetable cultivation
knowledge of the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation was found to be 0.529** as shown in Table 4.21. The following
observations were recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables on
the basis of co-efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.529) was greater than the table value (± 0.238)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.01 level of probability. >The concerned null hypothesis was rejected.
>The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was significant at
0.01 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that the vegetable cultivation knowledge of the farmers
had significant relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
4.3.6 Relationship between cosmopoliteness of the farmers and dependent variable
75
The relationship between cosmopoliteness of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between cosmopoliteness of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between cosmopoliteness of
the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation
was found to be 0.227* which is shown in Table 4.21. The following
observations were recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables
on the basis of coefficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.227) was greater than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was rejected.
The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was
significant at 0.05 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that the cosmopoliteness of the farmers had significant
positive relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation Findings as documented above implied that the fa rmers who are more
cosmopolite adopt more improved practices of vegetable cultivation. Movement
outside one‟s periphery creates opportunity to meet with others, learn and see
new innovations which ultimately change attitudes.
4.3.7 Relationship between extension media contact of the farmers and dependent
76
variable
The relationship between extension media contact of the farmers and their adoption
of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between extension media contact of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between extension media contact
of the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation
was found to be 0.205NS
which is shown in Table 4.21. The following observations
were recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis of
co-efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.205) was greater than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability.
> The concerned null hypothesis was rejected.
'r The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was significant at
0. 05 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that the extension media contact of the farmers had
significant positive relationship with their adoption of improved practices of
vegetable cultivation. From the above findings it was revealed that extension
media contact had immense influence on the adoption of improved practices of
vegetable cultivation. It is obvious that contact with extension agents and other
extension teaching methods change attitude of clients radically and as a result they
become interested to adopt new technologies which had somewhat been reflected
here.
4.3.8 Relationship between organizational participation of the farmers and
77
dependent variable
The relationship between organizational participation of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing
the following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between organizational participation of the farmers and
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between organizational
participation of the farmers and their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation was found to be 0 181Ns
as shown in Table 4.21. The following
observations were recorded regarding the relationship between the two variables on
the basis of co-efficient of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.181) was smaller than the table value (± 0.182)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.05 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was accepted.
0. The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was not
significant at 0.05 level of probability.
The findings reveal that the organizational participation of the farmers had no
significant relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation
4.3.9 Relationship between innovativeness of the farmers and dependent variable
78
The relationship between innovativeness of the farmers and their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation was examined by testing the
following null hypothesis:
“There is no relationship between innovativeness and their adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation”.
Computed value of the co-efficient of correlation between innovativeness and
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was found to be
0.379** as shown in Table 4.21. The following observations were recorded
regarding the relationship between the two variables on the basis of co-efficient
of correlation:
> The relationship showed a positive trend.
> The computed value of „r‟ (0.379) was greater than the table value (± 0.256)
with 112 degrees of freedom at 0.01 level of probability. > The concerned null hypothesis was rejected.
0. The co-efficient of correlation between the concerned variables was
significant at 0.01 level of probability.
The findings demonstrate that innovativeness had significant positive
relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
4.4 Comparative Problem Confrontation of the Farmers in Adoption of
Improved Practices of Vegetable Cultivation
The Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) was calculated to find out major
problems confronted by the farmers in adopting improved practices of vegetable
cultivation. Here, PCI - (3 X High problem) + (2 X Medium problem) + (1 X
Low problem) + (0 X No problem)
The severity of problem confrontation of the respondents is shown in Table 4.22.
79
Table 4.23: Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) for selected 10 problems with
rank order
SI
no.
Problems Opinion on extent of problem PCI Rank
order High Medium Low Not at all
1. Lack of proper
knowledge about
improved
cultivation
practices
94 17 3 0 319 1
2. Transport problem 91 20 3 0 316 2
3. High price of labor 82 32 0 0 310 ->
4. Lack of
government support
74 36 4 0 298 4
5. Lack of extension
services
77 27 10 0 295 5
6. Lack of resistant
variety
59 41 12 2 271 6
7. Lack of quality seed 53 48 13 0 268 7
8. Unable to store
vegetables for long
time
36 64 14 0 250 8
9. Low market price
for vegetables
during peak
production season
28 58 27 1 227 9
10. Insect infestation in
vegetable
30 51 31 2 223 10
80
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This Chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendation of
the study.
5.1 Summary of the Findings
5.1.1 Introduction
The adoption of selected improved practices among the vegetable growers depends
upon a number of factors including farmers‟ characteristics. An understanding of
the factors that influence the adoption behavior of the farmers is necessary to
design and implement the adoption and diffusion process in the country. Therefore,
the present study was conducted in Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur District to attain
the following specific objectives:
In view of the research works to be done successfully the following specific
objectives have been formulated for giving proper directions to the study:
1. To identify and describe the extent of adoption of improved practices in vegetables
cultivation
2 To determine and describe the selected characteristics of the vegetable growers.
The selected characteristics include: age, education, farm size, annual family
income, vegetable cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media
contact, organizational participation, and innovativeness.
3. To explore the relationship between the extent of adoption of improved practices
in vegetables cultivation and each of the selected characteristics of the farmer.
4. To identify the problem of the vegetable growers in connection with the
cultivation of vegetables.
81
5.1.2 Methodology
The study was conducted in three villages namely, Sonaton, Khanshama and
Thakurdan of Haragach union under Kaunia Upazila of Rangpur District. From a
population of 457, a total number of 114 vegetable farmers were selected for
interview. Data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Collected
data were coded, compiled, tabulated and analyzed in accordance with the
objectives of the study. Statistical measure such as percentage distribution, range,
average, standard deviation and adoption quotient were used to determine the
extent of adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation by the farmers
and their selected characteristics. Coefficient of correlation was calculated to
explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the farmers and
their adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation.
5.1.3 Hypothesis
The following null hypothesis was formulated for this study:
“There were no relationships between the farmers‟ selected characteristics and
their adoption of improved practices in vegetables cultivation.” Thus, there were
nine null hypotheses, which have been explained in chapter 3.
5.1.4 Selected characteristics of the farmers
Age
Age of the farmers ranged from 25 to 72 years. The average score being 44.60 and
the standard deviation was 10.44. The highest proportions (52.6 percent) of the
farmers were middle aged, while 26.3 percent were old aged and 21.1 percent were
young.
Education
Education of the farmers ranged from 0-14 years. The average score being 5.42 and
the standard deviation was 4.53. The highest proportion (28.9 percent) of the
farmers had “primary level” compared to 26.3 percent “secondary level”, 16.7
percent having “above secondary level”, 15.8 percent having “can sign only” and
12.3 percent having “illiterate”.
82
Farm size
Farm size of the farmers ranged from 0.18 to 9.14 hectares with an average of 1.53
and the standard deviation was 1.68. The highest proportion (35.9 percent) of the
farmers had small farm sized compared to 24.6 percent having medium farm, 23.7
percent having marginal farm and 15.8 percent having large farm.
Annual family income
Annual family income scores of the farmers ranged from 21.60 thousand to 846.00
thousand with an average of 187.04 thousand and the standard deviation was
180.48 thousand. The highest proportion (42.1 percent) of the farmers had low
income compared to 40.4 percent under medium income and 17.5 percent under
high income categories.
Vegetable cultivation knowledge
Vegetable cultivation knowledge score of the farmer range from 3 to 21 with an
average of 15.44 and a standard deviation of 5.04. The highest proportion (69.3
percent) of the farmers had high knowledge compared to 18.4 percent under
medium knowledge and
12.3 percent under poor knowledge.
Cosmopoliteness
Cosmopoliteness scores of the farmers ranged from 1 to 14, against the possible
range was found to be 0 to 33. The average cosmopoliteness scores were found to
be 15.44 with a standard deviation of 5 .04. The highest proportion (57.9 percent)
of the farmers had low cosmopoliteness compared to 23.7 percent having high
cosmopoliteness and 18.4 percent having medium cosmopoliteness.
Extension Media Contact
Extension media contact scores of the farmers ranged from 1-24 against the
possible range of 0 to 48 having an average of 9.83 with a standard deviation of
6.55. The highest proportion (55.3 percent) of the respondents had low extension
contact compared to 22.8 percent having medium and 21 9 percent having high
extension media contact.
83
Organizational Participation
Organizational participation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 14 having an
average of 2.35 and a standard deviation of 2.86. The highest proportion (88.6
percent) of the farmers had low participation in organization compared to 9.6
percent had medium participation, and only 1.8 percent had high organizational
participation categories.
Innovativeness
The innovativeness scores of the farmers ranged from 1 to 17, agains t the possible
range of 0 to 50 with an average of 7.17 and the standard deviation of 3.13. The
highest proportion (49.1 percent) of the farmers had medium innovativeness as
compared to 46.5 percent having low innovativeness and only 4.4 percent having
high innovativeness.
5.1.5 Adoption of Improved Practices in Vegetable Cultivation
5.1.5. Section I: Adoption of Improved Vegetable score by the Farmers
Adoption of selected improve practice in vegetable cultivation was the main focus
of the study. It was quantified by computing scores. These scores of the respondent
could range from 0 to 188.88 the average being 43.70 and the standard deviation
30.56. The highest proportion (58.8 percent) of the farmers had low adoption
compared to 21 percent low adoption and 0.9 percent had high adoption
5.1.5. Section II: Adoption of Recommended Fertilizer and Insecticide &
Fungicide Dose/Method by the Farmers
a) Adoption of Fertilizer in Potato Cultivation
i) Adoption of Urea in potato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
90.90 having an average of 60.96 with a standard deviation 36.67. The highest
proportion (78.1 percent) of the farmers had low adoption while 21.9 percent of
them had no adoption of Urea in potato cultivation at all On the other hand, no
optimum adoption and over adoption of Urea in potato cultivation were found.
84
ii) Adoption of TSP in potato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
833.33 having an average of 67.54 with a standard deviation 80.14. The highest
proportion (75.5 percent) of the farmers had low adoption while 21.9 percent of
them had no adoption of TSP in potato cultivation at all. On the other hand, 0.9
percent optimum adoption and 1.7 percent over adoption of TSP in potato
cultivation were found.
iii) Adoption of MP in potato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
90.90 having an average of 59.44 with a standard deviation of 36.55. The highest
proportion (78.1 percent) of the farmers had low adoption while 21.9 percent of
them had no adoption of MP in potato cultivation at all. On the other h and, no
optimum adoption and over adoption of MP in potato cultivation were found.
b) Adoption of Fertilizer in Tomato Cultivation
i) Adoption of Urea in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
20.58 having an average of 2.18 with a standard deviation of 4.84. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 16.5 percent and
0.9 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of Urea in tomato
cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of Urea in tomato cultivation were found.
ii) Adoption of TSP in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
25.72 having an average of 2.69 with a standard deviation of 6.01. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 1.7 percent and
15.8 percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of TSP in tomato
cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of TSP in tomato cultivation were found.
85
iii) Adoption of MP in tomato cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
20.58 having an average of 2.72 with a standard deviation of 6.05. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 4.3 percent and 13.2
percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of MP in tomato
cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of MP in tomato cultivation were found.
c) Adoption of fertilizer in Brinjal Cultivation
i) Adoption of Urea in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
27.80 having an average of 3.06 with a standard deviation of 6.97. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 0.9 percent and 16.6
percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of Urea in brinjal
cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of Urea in brinjal cultivation were found
ii) Adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
70.97 having an average of 7.71 with a standard deviation of 17.60. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 0.9 percent, 14
percent and 2.6 percent of them had very low adoption, low adoption and medium
adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no optimum
adoption and over adoption of TSP in brinjal cultivation were found.
iii) Adoption of MP in brinjal cultivation scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to
21.43 having an average of 2.36 with a standard deviation of 5.38. The highest
proportion (82.5 percent) of the farmers had no adoption while 14 percent and 3.5
percent of them had very low adoption and low adoption of MP in brinjal
cultivation respectively. On the other hand, no medium adoption, optimum
adoption and over adoption of MP in brinjal cultivation were found.
d) Use of IPM Method in Vegetable Cultivation
86
Adoption of IMP method scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 1.0 having an
average of 0.82 with a standard deviation of 0.39. The highest proportion (81.6
percent) of the farmers had medium adoption of IPM method while 18.4 percent of
them had low adoption of IMP method in vegetable cultivation. On the other hand,
no high adoption of 1PM method in vegetable cultivation was found.
e) Use of Insecticide and Fungicide in Vegetable Cultivation
Adoption of insecticide and fungicide scores of the farmers ranged from 0 to 3.0
having an average of 1.68 with a standard deviation of 0.87. The highest
proportion (73.7 percent) of the farmers had medium adoption of insecticide and
fungicide while 18.4 percent and 7.9 percent of them had low adoption and high
adoption of insecticide and fungicide in vegetable cultivation.
5.1.5. Section III: Relationship between the Characteristics of the Farmers and
their Adoption of Improved Practices of Vegetable Cultivation
To explore the relationship of the ten selected characteristics of the farmers with
their adoption of improve practice of vegetable cultivation, nine null hypotheses
were formulated. For test hypothesis, co-efficient of correlation (r) was computed.
Five (0.05) percent level of significance was the basis for rejecting a null
hypothesis. The results of hypothesis testing are presented below in brief:
Coefficient of correlation was computed in order to explore the rela tionship
between the selected characteristics of the farmers and their adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. The selected characteristics of the farmers
constituted independent variables and adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation constituted the dependent variable of the study.
87
In this section relationship between nine selected characteristics (independent
variables) of the farmers viz. age, education, farm size, annual family income,
vegetable cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension contact,
organizational participation, innovativeness and dependent variable i.e. adoption of
improved practices in vegetable cultivation.
5.2 Conclusions
Findings of the study and the logical interpretations in the light of relevant facts
prompted the researcher to draw the following conclusions:
1 For increasing the yield of vegetable, the farmers need to adopt all the available
improved practices to a greater extent. This study revealed that 79.8 percent of
the farmers had either medium or low adoption of improved practices in
vegetable cultivation. These facts lead to conclude that farmers had a
satisfactory level of adoption of improved vegetable cultivation practices.
2. Most of the vegetable farmers were either middle or old aged, while age of the
vegetable farmers had no significant relationship with their adoption.
Therefore, it may be concluded that special attention need not be given to any
particular age group. But as larger proportion of the vegetable farmers were
middle aged and old aged, hence it is necessary to give some importance to
these categories.
3. Education of the farmers showed a significant and positive relationship with
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. This means that
high literacy and educational level among the farmers might have influenced
high adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
4. Farm size of the farmers had no significant relationship with their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It means that small farm size more
adoption, but most of the farmers were large and marginal farm size. So,
conclusion can be drawn that large, medium, small and marginal - all farm size
categories should be given equal opportunities by fixing target beneficiaries.
88
5. Findings of the study showed that annual family income of the farmers had no
significant relationship with their adoption of improved practices. In the
study area about 82.5 percent of the vegetable farmers had low to medium
income.
6. Findings of the study showed that vegetable cultivation knowledge of the
farmer had a significant positive relationship with their adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. Flaving more vegetable cultivation
knowledge an individual grower becomes aware of the recent information on
the various aspects of vegetable cultivation. Consequently, they become
motivated to adoption of practices. It can be concluded that vegetable
cultivation knowledge was an important factor for getting more adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
7 The findings showed that the cosmopoliteness of the farmers had significant
positive relationship with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation. Findings as documented implied that the farmers who are more
cosmopolite adopt more improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
8. The findings revealed that extension media contact of the farmers had
significant and positive relationship with their adoption of improved practices
of vegetable cultivation. Extension media contact increases the outlook of the
farmers which lead them to adopt selected improved practices of vegetable
cultivation.
9. Organizational participation of the vegetable farmer had no significant
relationship with their adoption. Probably they did not visualize any benefit
that may be derived from organizational participation. Unfortunately, the
levels of participation of the respondents were found to be quite low. This is
evident from the fact that 88.6 percent of the vegetable farmers had low
participation. Hence, it may be concluded that there is need for medium or
higher participation of the vegetable farmers in different organizations.
89
10. Innovativeness of the farmers had highly significant and positive relationship
with their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It may be
concluded that the farmers of the study area had the positive attitude towards
innovation The farmers with high innovativeness use modern farm
technologies and provide opportunity to others to see the advantages and
disadvantages of those methods. This situation is quite favorable for the
implementation of agricultural development programmes.
5.3 Recommendations
5.3.1 Recommendations for policy implications
Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following
recommendations are
presented below:
1. The level of adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was
encouraging. Still there is a need of efforts for wide adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation by the farmers.
2. In view of the absence of no relationship between age of the farmers and their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation, it is recommended
that the extension workers should work with the farmers of all age groups to
prompt the cultivation of vegetable.
3. Education of the farmers had significant relationship with their adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It indicates the importance of
education of the vegetable growers for rapid adoption of improved practices
of vegetable cultivation. The findings also indicate that 28.1 percent of the
farmers had no education (illiterate and can sign only) under the above
situation; it may be recommended that arrangements should be made for
increasing the literacy level of the vegetable farmers by the concerned
authorities through the establishment of night school, adult education and
other extension methods.
90
4. Farm size indicated no significant relationship with their adoption of
improved practices. On the other hand, 59.6 percent of the farmers had
marginal and small farm any they could give more attention to their farming
operation as they generally work on the farm. Hence, extension workers
should utilize the marginal and small farmers in their extension activities to
introduce improved farm practices on a significant level.
5. The annual family income of the farmers had no significant relationship with
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It leads to the
recommendation that extension service should provide adequate farm
management advice to the farmers but there are no proper follow this advice.
It is a fact that if income be increased, farmers receptive capacity to adopt
improved technologies will be increased and there by production will be
increased.
6. Adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation was significant
and positive correlated with the vegetable cultivation knowledge of the
growers. This indicates an urgent need for an effective programme of proper
education to increase the vegetable cultivation knowledge for developing
favorable attitude of the farmers in respect of improved practices of vegetable
cultivation. Hence, it may be recommended that arrangements should be
made by the relevant authorities to increase the vegetable cultivation
knowledge of the farmers through increased extension contact, training
programme and so on.
7 Cosmopoliteness of the farmers had insignificant relationship with their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. This means that
these variables had no important influence on adoption of improved practices
of vegetable cultivation.
8 Extension contact of the farmers showed significant influence on adoption of
improved practices of vegetable cultivation. Hence the concerned authorities
should take cognizance of these facts and should take necessary steps to
increase the frequency of extension contact of the farmers.
91
9. Organizational participation of the farmers had no significant relationship with
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation. It is
recommended that the concerned authorities should take necessary steps to
mobilize the local organizations, more participation of the vegetable farmers
in different organization. This will facilitate them to solve their problems
collectively to adopt the new ideas and practices.
10. Innovative farmers possess the modern idea, which compel them to use new
ideas even in the face of various problems and difficulties. The farmers with
high innovativeness use modern farm practices and provide opportunity to
others to see the advantages and disadvantages of those methods. It is
therefore, recommended that extension workers should encourage innovative
farmers and uses them as local leaders by introducing farmers to farmer‟s
extension approach.
5.3.2 Recommendations for further study
The present study which mainly highlights some aspects of particular dimensions
(adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation) of agricultural
development. So, it is suggested that concerned agencies should undertake
further studies in order to have a deeper insight into the various aspects of the
adoption of technologies as well as agricultural development. The aspects for
future study are presented below:
1. The present study was conducted in the three villages of Haragach union under
Kaunia Upazila in Rangpur District. It is recommended that similar studies
should be conducted in other parts of the country.
2. The present study was concern only with the extent of adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. It is therefore suggested that future studes
should include attributes of innovations, adopter categories and use of
information sources in relation to adopter stages and adopter categories.
92
3. The study was based on the farmers‟ adoption of improved practices of
vegetable cultivation. Further studies may be conducted in respect of adoption of
other vegetable production practices.
4. The relationships of nine important characteristics of the farmers with their
adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation have been investigated in
this study viz. age, education, farm size, annual family income, vegetable
cultivation knowledge, cosmopoliteness, extension media contact, organizational
participation, and innovativeness. But besides these nine characteristics of the
farmers, there might be other factors such as farming experience, family size,
attitude towards technology etc. which influence the adoption of improved
practices of vegetable cultivation. Therefore, further research should be
conducted to explore the relationships of other characteristi cs of the farmers with
their adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
5. Adoption is the measurement of implementation by the farmers as well as
vital indicator of agricultural development. It is a continuous process due to
change of social system, change of technologies, change of human behavior,
change of cropping patterns, change of adoption patterns etc. So, it is suggested
that there should be continuous adoption research in various aspects for
agricultural development.
6. Research should also be undertaken to identify the factors causing hindrance
towards adoption of improved practices of vegetable cultivation.
93
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Appendix- A
Department of Agricultural Extension & Information System Sher-E-
Bangla Agricultural University Sher-E-Bangla Nagar Dhaka- 1207
An Interview Schedule on Adoption of Improved Practices of Vegetable
Cultivation by the
Farmers
Serial No .. Date:
Name of the respondent
Husband/Fathers name
Village
Union
Upazila
District
Please answer the following questions:
1. Age
How old are you? ........ years
2. Education:
Please mention your level of education qualification:
a. I cannot read or write ( ............... )
b. I can sign only ( ................. )
c. I have studied up to ( ................ ) class
Please furnish information about your farm size.
3. Farm size
110
4. Annual family income:
SI. No. Types of land Land area
Local unit Hectare
1 Homestead area(Al) 2 Own land under own cultivation (A2) 3 Own land given to others on borga (A3) 4 Land taken from others on borga (A4) 5 Land taken from others on lease (A5)
Total Total farm size =A1+A2+1/2(A3+A4) +A5
Please mention the income of your annual family income SI. No. Source of income Total production
(Kg/mound/number)
Market
Price
(Tk/unit)
Total
price
(Tk) A) Agricultural Sector
1 Crops
a) Rice
b) Jute
c) Wheat
d) Vegetable
e) Fruits
f) Pulses/oil seed
g)Others 2 Livestock
a) Milk
b) Calves
c) Bullocks /cow 3 Poultry
a) Egg
b) Chicken
c) Duck 4 Fisheries 5 Others
B) Non Agricultural Sector 1 Service 2 Business 3 Day labors 4 Others
Total annual income (A+B) = ................ Tk
5. Vegetable cultivation knowledge:
Please answer the following questions: SI. No.
Questions Full Marks
Marks Obtained
1 Name two high yielding tomato varieties 1 2 Name two high yielding potato varieties. 1 3 Name two diseases of vegetables. 1 4 Name two high yielding egg plant varieties 1 5 Name two harmful insects of vegetable
cultivation.
1
6 Mention fertilizer dose of tomato cultivation.
1 7 Mention two qualities of good seed. 1 8 Which vegetables contain vitamin A? 1 9 Mention two green manuring crops. 1
10 Mention two major diseases of potato. 1 11 How do you control insects of your
vegetable field?
1
12 Mention a harmful effect of using pesticide. 1 13 Whom do you ask advice to control insects
& diseases?
1
14 Please mention the name of early variety of potato.
1
15 Name two quick growing vegetables. 1 16 What is 1PM? Mention its methods. 1 17 What do you mean by resistant variety? 1 18 How do you harvest and preserve potato? 1 19 Name two tomato varieties that can be
grown year round.
1
20 Mention two disadvantages of using over
dose of chemical fertilizers.
1
21 Name one HYV of cauliflower and one
cabbage.
1
Total 21
6. Cosmopoliteness:
112
Please indicate your extent of visit in the following places: SI. No.
Place of visit Nature of visit Frequently
(3) Occasionally
(2) Rarely (1) '
Not at all (0)
1 Visit to demonstration plots
at other villages
>5 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2 times / month
2 Visit to market / relatives /
friends / familiar home
outside of your own village
for purchase or collection of
inputs & information
>5 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2 times / month
3 Visit to ward commissioner‟s
office for the demand of
development work
>5 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2 times / month
4 Visit to own Upazila Saddar
to meet with officers
>5 times / month
3-4 times/ month
1-2 times / month
5 Visit to other Upazila head
quarter for collection new
information
>3 times / year
2 times / year
Once / year
6 Visit to Upazila agricultural
office for seeking advice
>4 times / year
2-3 times / year
Once / year
7 Visit to Upazila/District
agricultural fair
>3 times / year
2 times / year
Once / year
8 Visit to Divisional town
includes capital city (Dhaka,
Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet
etc).
>3 times / year
2 times / year
Once / year
9 Visit to pourosabha office >5 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2 times / month
10 Participation in the
procession for demand of
fertilizer.
4 times / life
2-3 times / life
1 time / life
1 1 Work as arbiter to mitigate
local conflict.
>3 times / year
2 times / year
Once / year
113
7. Extension media contact:
Please indicate your extent of contact with the following different extension
media to seek information on vegetable cultivation: a) Personal contact
SI. No.
Information Source Extension of contact
Frequently (3)
Occasionally (2)
Rarely (1)
Not at all (0)
1 Neighbors >3 times / week
2-3 times / week
1 time / week
2 Relatives >4 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2 times / month
3 Fertilizers, seed,
pesticides dealer
>6 times / year
4-6 times / year
1-3 times/ year
4 SAAO >6 times / year
4-6 times / year
1-3 times / year
5 NGO worker >6 times / month
4-6 times / month
1-3 times/ month
6 Upazila level
Agricultural Officers
>4 times / year
3-4 times / year
1-2 times / year
114
b) Group contact SI. No.
Information Source Extension of contact
Frequently (3)
Occasionally (2)
Rarely (1)
Not at all
(0) 1 Group discussion 3 times / year 2 times / year 1 time/
year
2 Field day 3 times / year 2 times / year 1 time / year
3 Result
demonstration/
meeting
4 times / life 2-3 times / life
1 time / life
4 Training 4 times / life 2-3 times / life
1 time / life
5 Farmers field school 4 times / life 2-3 times /
life 1 time / life
6 Tour ( visit RD plots in group)
3 times / year 2 times / year 1 time / year
SI. No.
Information Source
Extension of contact
Frequently (3)
Occasionally (2)
Rarely (1)
Not at all
(0) 1 Newspaper
(Reading
agricultural news
stories)
>5 times /
week
3-4 times /
week
1-2
times /
week
2 Radio (Listening
agricultural
program )
>5 times /
week
3-4 times /
week
1-2
times /
week
3 Television
(watching
agricultural
program)
>4 times / month
3-4 times / month
1-2
times /
month
4 Visit agricultural
fair
3 times /
year
2 times / year 1 time /
year
115
8. Organizational participation
Please mention the nature and duration of your participation in the following
organization. SI. No.
Nature of the
organization
No participation
Nature and duration of
participation
Ordinar
y
member
(years)
Executiv
e
committe
e
member
(years)
Executive
committee
officer
(years) 1 Farmers‟ Co-operative
Society
2 Youth Club/Village Club
3 School Committee 4 Mosque/ Temple
Committee
5 NGO Samity 6 Madrasha Committee 7 1PM Club 8 Irrigation committee 9 Others
116
9. Innovativeness:
Please furnish the information about the extent use of the following improved
10. Adoption of improved vegetable cultivation:
a) How much land do you have for vegetables cultivation? ...................... Ha.
practices SI. No.
Nature of innovation Extent of use
Adopted within after awareness 1
year 1-2 years
2-3 years
3-4 years
4 years & above
No use
1 Use of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM)
2 Use of homestead vegetables
gardening
3 Use of poultry-fish culture 4 Use of green manure in crop
cultivation / compost
5 Use of organic fertilizer 6 Seed treatment
7 Use of recommended dose of
fertilizers
8 Use of Diamond variety of
potato
9 Cultivation of BARI-41, 11,
28, 29 variety of rice
10 Use of deep tube-well
b) For how long and in how much land do you cultivate the following vegetables? SI. No.
Vegetables
Varieties Years/Ha.
2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 1 Potato Diamont.
Granola, Lai pakri
2 Tomato Manic. Raton "> Brinjal Shingnath,
Khotkhotia
c) Recommended dose of fertilizers and doses used by the respondent:
117
i) Potato
ii) Tomato
iii) Brinjal, BARI-1-5
Fertilizer Reconinionded Dose Doses used
Urea 220-250 kg/ha TSP 120-150 kg/ha MP 220-250 kg/ha Zipsum 100-120 kg/ha ZnS04 8-10 kg/ha Boron (sandy soil) 8-10 kg/ha MgS04 80-100 kg/ha Cow dung 8-10 ton
Fertilizer Recommonded Dose Doses used
Urea 500-600 kg/ha TSP 400-500 kg/ha MP 200-300 kg/ha Cow dung 8-12 ton
Fertilizer Recommonded Dose Doses used
Urea 370-380 kg/ha TSP 145-155 kg/ha MP 240-260 kg/ha Cow dung 8-12 ton
118
d) Which method is used to protect vegetables from the diseases and insects?
ii) Use of insecticides& fungicide:
i) IPM Method: SI. No.
IPM The method is used -
For how many years
On how much land
1 Use of resistant variety 2 Hand net 3 Bird 4 Light trap 5 Pesticides
SI. No.
Name Frequency of
use
Doses used
Appropriare Dose
1 Furadan 2 Diazinon 3 Dimecron 4 Marshal 20 EC 5 Bavistin DF 6 Nemispore 80
WP
7 Suncozcb 80 WP
119
11. Problems confronted in adoption of improved practices in vegetable cultivation
Please mention the frequency of confronted in adoption of improved practices in
Thanks for your kind co-operation.
Date Signature of the respondents
vegetable cultivation: SI. No.
Problems Frequency of problem confronted
High Medium Low Not at all
1 Lack of resistant variety 2 Lack of quality seed 3 Unable to store vegetables for
long time
4 Low market price for vegetables
during peak production season
5 Insect infestation in vegetable
6 Lack of proper knowledge about
improved cultivation practices
7 High price of labor season 8 Transport problem 9 Transport problem 10 Lack of necessary advice from
agricultural office in time
CORRELATION MATRIX AMONG THE VARIABLES OF THE STUDY
X1 = AGE X2 = EDUCATION X3 = FARM SIZE X4 = ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME X5 = VEGETABLE CULTIVATION KNOWLEDGE X6 = COSMOPOLITENESS X7 = EXTENSION MEDIA CONTACT X8 = ORGANIZATIONAL PARTICIPATION X9 = INNOVATIVENESS Y = ADOPTION OF IMPROVED PRACTICES IN VEGETABLE CULTIVATION
VARIABLE X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 Y
X1 1 X2 -.217* 1 X3 -.070 .091 ^ 1 X4 .339** .075
NS 120^3“ 1
X5 .104 .457** .164 NS
.447** 1 X6 -.037
NS .555** .199* .366** .658** 1
X7 -.026 NS
.674** .201* .281** .601** .825** 1 X8 .295** .204* .030
NS .478** .420** 153
n? .170
NS 1
X9 .092 NS
.472** .184NEr
“ .471** .658** .626** .717** .373** 1 Y -.098
NS .286** .155^ . 104
NS .529** .227* .205* .181
Nb .379** 1
NS = Correlation is not significant
* = Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level ** = Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level
Recommended